Booming in the Basin: Bringing the Presidential Gun Salute to Kallang for NDP 2026

A thunderous clap echoes through the Kallang Basin, shattering the gentle fall of rain. Not from the sky, but by 25-pounder guns of the Presidential Gun Salute (PGS).

This year, with NDP returning to the National Stadium, the PGS marks a new milestone with shots being fired directly from the Kallang Basin, enabling spectators around the waterfront to see, hear, and feel its impact.

Setting the stage at Kallang Basin

More than 150 soldiers from 23rd Battalion, Singapore Artillery (23 SA) and the 35th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers (35 SCE) are taking part in this year’s gun salute.

Overseeing the operation is Major (MAJ) Chin Wei Jian, Commanding Officer (CO) of 23 SA and Chairman of the NDP 2026 PGS Committee.

Leading the gun salute for the first time brings excitement and a tinge of nervousness to the 34-year-old.

From the command-and-control room, he views the command-and-control room, viewing the president’s progress of the parade inspection and literally calls the shots for each of the guns.

Though being PGS Chairman brings fresh demands, MAJ Chin says the efforts are well worth it.

“When we did our first rehearsal, we could hear the sound of the gun salute echoing inside the National Stadium. That made me very, very proud to be an artillery CO, because I knew our efforts were being heard, literally!”

Managing logistics & safety

The synchronised firing of the PGS lasts for only minutes, but planning behind the scenes started months in advance, said Captain (CPT) L Vaishnavi, the Organising Secretary for the NDP 2026 PGS.

“For this year’s NDP at Kallang, we had to have heightened measures in terms of water cordon operations because we do not want to interfere with the water activities happening along the water sports centre,” the 32-year-old explained.

“The biggest challenge (for me) was talking to all of these stakeholders and ensuring we were able to tie down details that will allow us to execute a successful gun salute.”

Asked what she’s looking forward to most on 9 Aug, CPT Vaishnavi hopes that Singaporeans will recognise the effort that goes into pulling off this iconic NDP tradition.

“I hope that when the audience watches the PGS, they don’t just see the 10-minute display, but also the hard work (that we’ve put in). I want Singaporeans to feel like there’s a shared sense of identity.”

She added with a smile: “(And afterwards,) I hope all of us in the PGS crew can just gather and watch the fireworks and celebrate together!”

Delivering the big bang

Among the gun crew of 23 SA is 20-year-old Full-Time National Serviceman Corporal (CPL) Bravis Sea.

He and his fellow gunners have been training since January, with intensified rehearsals in the past two months.

“After two months of hard training every week, we’ve become quite comfortable handling the heavy gun and executing the drills confidently and smoothly.”

As the Gun Layer, his role is to press the firing button for the round to go off precisely in time with the progression of the Presidential Inspection at the main parade.

The first in his family to serve National Service (NS), CPL Sea is excited to take part in this crowd-favourite NDP tradition.

“My family has been giving me a lot of love; they always take time out of their day to drop me a word of encouragement. They also come down to the Kallang Basin to watch me perform the gun drill!”

“(Serving NS) means a lot to me, ’cos it’s a way for me to give back to Singapore,” added CPL Sea.

“NDP is a celebration where every Singaporean, regardless of race, religion or language spoken, comes together to celebrate because it’s our nation’s birthday.”