GPC-DFA VISITS UNDERGROUND AMMUNITION FACILITY

Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) visited the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) Underground Ammunition Facility (UAF) at Mandai West Camp, the site of a former granite quarry, on 23 Aug. Hosted by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, the visit helped the committee to understand the role of the UAF as a 3rd Generation SAF facility.

The visit, organised by the Ministry of Defence to familiarise and update members of GPC-DFA on developments in the SAF, began with an overview of the UAF and its design and safety features. The importance of the UAF as a one-stop operations centre for storage and supply for ammunition in the SAF was highlighted, with an emphasis on how the SAF's operational readiness had been enhanced through the facility.

The overview was followed by a tour of the facilities, which included the UAF Education Centre, the Base Control Centre and the Ammunition Storage Cavern. The cavern was definitely the highlight of the visit. Despite the musty smell and relatively lower levels of oxygen, the visitors were undaunted and were greeted by vast columns of munitions when the blast door was opened. It was explained that the lower oxygen levels were one of the many safety measures in place to reduce the risk of explosions. While one would take a while to get accustomed to the lower oxygen level, ventilation was in no way compromised.

The visitors were impressed by the top-notch technology and features of the UAF, such as the Electric Side Loader and the Containerised Storage System, which are unique to the UAF. They also learnt how various challenges had been overcome, from addressing major technology gaps to the demands of having to coordinate the various agencies during the planning and construction stages.

All three Services utilise the facility for their ammunition needs.