FACT SHEET: EX NORTHSTAR VIII: COUNTER-TERRORIST SEA DEMONSTRATION

Ex Northstar VIII: Counter-Terrorist Sea Demonstration

As part of the final day of Exercise Northstar VIII, on 25 Nov 2011 the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and other maritime agencies - such as the Police Coast Guard, the Maritime Port Authority and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority - will be demonstrating a counter-terrorist ship interception and storming operation within a tanker-hijacking scenario.

The following assets are involved in the demonstration:

Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)

a. Patrol Vessel (PV).

Since 1997, the PV's have replaced the smaller and older Coastal Patrol Crafts (CPC) used by the RSN. The PV's possess more endurance than the CPCs, enhancing their operational effectiveness; they also possess a water-jet propulsion system, which increases their manoeuvrability and lowers maintenance costs.

b. Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB).

The 11-meter RHIBs used in the sea demonstration possesses high manoeuvrability and may be outfitted with guns of various calibres, allowing it to be used for a wide range of maritime security operations. The RHIBs are most commonly used in maritime security roles such as base defence and security boarding operations.

c. MV AVATAR.

MV Avatar is a civil resource auxiliary vessel leased to the SAF to support training. It will be used to simulate a tanker that has been hijacked.

Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)

d. Super Puma Helicopter.

The Super Puma Helicopter is a medium - lift utility transport helicopter that first entered into RSAF service in 1985. It is powered by two independent Turbomeca Turboshaft Makila IA engines which drive a rotor system comprising four blades on the main rotor and five blades on the tail rotor. The Super Puma runs on a basic fuel system; it also possesses two flying control hydraulic systems which enhances the overall safety of the aircraft. The Super Puma can be used for search and rescue, troop-lift, personnel transportation, reconnaissance and external load operations.

Special Operations Task Force Troopers

e. The Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) integrates the operations, training and capability development for all the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Special Forces. This enhances the SAF's ability to deal with challenges posed by the new security landscape. The SOTF comprise Special Force (Army), Special Force (Navy), and other SAF combat forces, that can be assigned to HQ SOTF to conduct operations. Having these forces under one HQ enables the SAF to "mix and match" the forces, leveraging on cross-domain capabilities and expertise to develop the most effective response to each operation.

Police Coast Guard (PCG)

f. 2nd Generation Coastal Patrol Craft (CPC).

The 2nd Generation CPC replaced the current fleet which was deployed since 1993 - it has longer sea endurance and is capable of operating in shallow waters of up to a depth of two meters. It is also built to cut through waves at 35 knots (approximately 70km/hour) and able to withstand choppy sea conditions of up to sea state four. The CPC possesses an Automated Equipment/Armament, a state-of-the- art Integrated Bridge Navigation System (IBNS), an Automatic Identification System and an automatic Firing Control System.

g. 3rd Generation Patrol Craft (PC).

Launched in 2000, the 3rd Generation PC operates on water-jets with speeds in excess of 40 knots (74 km/h); they are faster, more versatile and more powerful than the 2nd Generation PT class which was inaugurated in 1989. Surveillance capabilities are also enhanced with the introduction of the Seaborne Electro- Optic System and radars that provide greater depth and clarity with regard to the maritime sea picture.

Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)

h. Coastal Command Anti-Smuggling Team (AST) Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) Speedboats.

The AST GRP speedboats, which are currently used by the ICA Coastal Command AST for rummaging operations, were first procured by the Customs and Excise Department in 1993 to enhance their search and rummaging capabilities. The AST operates round the clock, within Singapore port limits, for the prevention and interdiction of illegal immigrants, security items and contraband items. The AST GRP speedboats are lightweight and grey-shaded, allowing good camouflage and swift movement in a maritime environment.

Maritime Port Authority (MPA)

i. Emergency Response Craft.

The MPA operates two emergency response crafts, API API 1 and API API 2, to carry fire fighting and rescue equipment in response to shipboard emergencies, as well as oil and chemical spills. Powered by two Caterpillar 1000 bhp engines, these emergency response crafts are able to achieve speeds of 14 knots, allowing them to respond to incidents in Singapore's port waters within 60 minutes.

j. Patrol Boats.

The MPA's patrol boats are used round the clock by MPA port inspectors for the enforcement of the MPA Acts and Regulations in Singapore's anchorages and port waters. Equipped with dinghies for operating in shallow waters, the patrol boats are also deployed to attend to all marine emergencies in Singapore's waters. With a top speed of about 20 knots, the patrol boats are able to respond to an incident in Singapore's waters within 30 minutes.