SAF AND KEY AGENCIES TEST READINESS IN EXERCISE NORTHSTAR 9

Two massive explosions broke the weekend calm at the Singapore Sports Hub as 'terrorists' attacked on 9 May.

This was part of Exercise Northstar 9, as national agencies came together to test their readiness.

As one of the seven key national agencies, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed soldiers from the Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Explosives Defence Group (CBRE DG) and the Medical Response Force (MRF) for the exercise.

Set against the backdrop of an international opening event at the Sports Hub, this year's exercise tested the agencies' response to sudden explosions and a chemical attack at a mass event.

As the explosions outside the stadium were being dealt with, one of the perpetrators rushed into the stadium and released a chemical agent into the packed spectator stands.

A suspicious package was spotted at a far corner of the stadium. It was yet another explosive device, and an SAF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was called in to deal with the sinister package as the public was being evacuated.

A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) was deployed to render the device safe and a soldier wearing a protective bomb suit checked to make sure that the device was disabled. Moments later, he gave the thumbs-up sign, and everyone heaved a sigh of relief.

"The challenge is how we coordinate and operate together (with the other agencies). After this exercise, we understand each other better and we are able to link-up well," said 3rd Warrant Officer Alex an EOD team commander.

Outside the stadium, the MRF was working with partner agencies to treat victims and deal with the aftermath of the chemical attack.

"The exercise has been very meaningful for us. It has allowed us to use our skills and training and make sure we are able to respond well to any emergencies," said Captain (CPT) (Dr) Jeremy Hoe, Platoon Commander, MRF.

Speaking to the media after watching the exercise, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: "We have to be very vigilant, and we have to practise our response capabilities This means all our agencies have to work together to respond coherently."

He added: "I'm glad that the different agencies are working together. We've the SCDF, the Police, and the SAF bomb disposal unit (here today). I think it has worked well."

Mr Lee was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minster for Home Affairs Teo Chee Hean, as well as Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, and other Cabinet Ministers. Senior SAF officers also witnessed the exercise.

Exercise Northstar was introduced in 1997 to test Singapore's readiness in mounting a multi-agency response to large-scale emergencies.

Since then, the exercise has expanded in scope and scale to involve key national agencies such as the SAF, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force.