24/7 AIR-DEFENCE VITAL IN PROTECTING SINGAPORE'S SKIES

One of the biggest lessons learnt from the 9/11 attacks in 2001 was the importance of remaining vigilant.

"The 9/11 incident reminds us that terrorism from the air remains a real threat," said Minister for Defence Dr Ng En Hen after a visit to the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) Air Defence and Operations Command (ADOC) on 15 Nov.

"ADOC plays a crucial role in the air defence of Singapore by providing a robust 24/7 capability to ensure the sovereignty of our territorial airspace and guard against any threats from the air."

One of five operational commands in the RSAF, ADOC is responsible for planning and executing peace-time operations and air defence, as well as managing the RSAF's Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) units.

During his visit, Dr Ng interacted with senior commanders as well as servicemen on operational duty. He was briefed on the command's latest operational developments as well as its round-the-clock air defence capabilities such as the RSAF's latest GBAD acquisition - the Surface-to-Air Python and DERby (SPYDER).

A quick-reaction, surface-to-air missile system capable of engaging a wide range of aerial threats that includes fighter aircraft, helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, the SPYDER works together with the upgraded I-Hawk and RBS-70 air defence systems to protect Singapore's skies.

In addition to observing a demonstration of the SPYDER, Dr Ng visited an operational I-Hawk Surface-to-Air missile system deployment site.

Among the servicemen Dr Ng interacted with was Lance Corporal (LCP) Isaac Lim, a Crew Man from 163 Squadron which operates the I-Hawk system.

"Our job is to guard the airspace of Singapore using the I-Hawk system to take out long-range aerial threats," he said. "We were glad to be given the opportunity to exhibit what we do on a day-to-day basis here,and we're glad that Dr Ng appreciates our efforts."

Dr Ng was accompanied by Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng and other senior Singapore Armed Forces officers during his visit.