Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

Total Armed Forces:

active - 60,500 (including 39,800 conscripts)

reserve - 213,800

Defence Budget:

1999 - $4.2 billion

2000 - $4.4 billion

Army: Singapore Army

active - 50,000

4 combat divisions

413 tanks

supporting artillery/air defense guns and missiles

Navy: Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)

active - 4,500 (including 1,800 conscripts)

1 SSK submarine ( 3 more to be delivered)

24 patrol and coastal combatants

4 mine countermeasures

6 amphibious warfare ships

Air Force: Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

active - 6,000 (including 3,000 conscripts)

136 total combat aircraft including
6 fighter/ground attack squadrons of A-4s, F-16A/B/C/Ds and F-5s

20 armed helicopters

supporting air defense guns and missiles

Paramilitary Forces

active - 108,000+

Assessment:

Capable of defending mainland and immediate sea lanes against any existing and foreseeable threats. Singapore has the most advanced air warfare capability in Southeast Asia: a well-developed C3I network, an impressive navy and a well-trained and well-armed army that is in a high state of combat readiness. With recent purchases of F-16s with advanced avionics, submarines, amphibious crafts and surface combatants, air and naval effectiveness has been greatly enhanced. A major component of its naval expansion is the recent contract for six French-built Lafayette frigates with area surface-to-air missiles that are slated to be delivered 2005-2009. First in Southeast Asia to purchase the Apache-Longbow radar equipped armed helicopters, a significant force multiplier that will further boost Singapore as the region's most potent air force. A new naval base is being constructed that will provide logistic support and facilities to visiting forces such as the U.S. Seventh Fleet. No power projection capability abroad. Able to launch pre-emptive strike but no holding power due to lack of strategic depth.

Trends:

Despite (or perhaps, because of) the 1997 economic crisis, defense spending has increased in real terms and arms procurement continues unabated reflecting Singapore's relentless commitment to military security and defense self-reliance. Personnel levels have remained constant, with a slight decrease. Because of its geo-strategic importance and the endemic instability in neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Singapore has undertaken a naval and air modernization and upgrading program to enhance its ability to effectively patrol the Straits of Singapore and Malacca. Singapore has also embarked on a phase of military development utilizing the latest military and information technologies such as C3I systems, air-power and real-time reconnaissance capabilities and stealthy ship design. There are no indications that these forces are to be used in any force projection. Singapore's modernization programs are directed at maintaining its sophisticated defense capabilities.