MULTI-SENSORY NDP DEFENCE DISPLAY SET TO THRILL AUDIENCES

In celebration of 25 years of Total Defence in Singapore, National Day Parade 2009 will feature the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Home Team showcasing their operational readiness in defending our homeland.

Seemingly right out of a Hollywood script, this year's Total Defence Display (TDD) is touted to be a fast-paced and exciting firecracker of an event.

The 15-minute segment promises to be an action-packed show that is aptly integrated with multimedia video and pyrotechnic effects. In addition to that dazzling display, the audience will be able to feast their eyes on a boat chase sequence involving vessels from both the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Police Coast Guard (PCG).

As the title of the segment suggests, it will incorporate all aspects of island defence involving land, air and sea units. Representing the air portion will be the Apache attack helicopters and the Chinook helicopter carrying divers from the Naval Diving Unit. The Chinook will descend into the bay area and hover at a low level, just about 10 feet above the surface of the water, before casting divers into the water.

"This year is something special because we never had the opportunity to bring our divers close to the audience. Showing off our force and capabilities will be truly rewarding after all these months of preparation," commented Captain Brandon Choo, the coordinator for the divers in the TDD.

The SAF's land assets on display will include the PRIMUS Self-propelled Howitzers, Bionix II Infantry Fighting vehicles and Bronco All Terrain Tracked Carriers.

"We hope that TDD will provide spectators with a thrilling and up-close experience of the capabilities on display and at the same time show that Singapore is vigilant and prepared to defend our homeland," said Chairman TDD, Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Lee.

"The key strength of Singapore's Total Defence concept is that we are not just dependent on one pillar, but rather, that we are united and strong as a cohesive unit."

On the collaboration between the Home Team and the SAF, Superintendent Alan Xavier Tan from the PCG said: "It's very important to recognise that operationally, on a day-to-day level, the various agencies from the Home Team and the SAF are always working together. This is simply a demonstration of that for everyone."

Other highlights to look out for during the display include the first appearance of the Leopard 2A4 Main Battle Tank, soldiers adorned in the latest operational gear and the Singapore Civil Defence Force's Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Team.