INTEGRATED FORCE ESSENTIAL TO FIGHTING NEW THREATS: PRESIDENT TAN

With the ever-evolving threats faced by Singapore, an integrated armed force with cutting-edge capabilities is essential in keeping our nation strong and safe, said President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

"Our threats have changed: in addition to purely military threats, there are new developments," he noted, citing the threat of terrorism from extremist groups such as the Al-Qaeda, Jemaah Islamiyah and Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

"The RSN (Republic of Singapore Navy) and SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) will have to build and work towards developing a suite of capabilities, able to conduct not only military operations but also operations other than war, and play their part in the defence of Singapore."

President Tan was speaking to the media after a visit to Changi Naval Base on 2 Mar. Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lai Chung Han hosted the visit while Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman and Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim accompanied President Tan.

As part of his visit, President Tan toured Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast and Archer-class submarine RSS Swordsman. He was briefed on the developments in the RSN's frigate and submarine programmes, as well as the role of the frigates in enhancing the RSN's sea defence capabilities.

He also spoke to servicemen from the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 123 Squadron (SQN), which operates the S-70B Seahawk Naval Helicopters on board the Frigates.

President Tan noted the growth of the RSN, not only in terms of hardware, but also in its ability to contribute to maritime security internationally.

"It shows how far the RSN has grown. We are now capable of taking part not only in protecting our sea lines of communication - which are vital for Singapore because we are a maritime nation and we have to keep the sea lanes open - (but we are also able) to take part in deployments further overseas, and to take part in multilateral efforts, he said.

"For example, our navy has been deployed in the Gulf of Aden in an anti-piracy operation."

He added: "This shows how the RSN has developed to build itself up with new equipment, with better capabilities."

The visit was a homecoming of sorts for President Tan, who played an important role in initiating the frigate and submarine projects during his tenure as Minister of Defence from 1995 to 2003. His wife, Mrs Mary Tan, launched RSS Steadfast on 28 Jan 2005.

President Tan wrapped up his visit by spending some time speaking with servicemen from the Operation Blue Sapphire (OBS) team. The team will be setting sail for the Gulf of Aden later in the month to take part in counter-piracy operations under the multinational Combined Task Force 151.