True, but we also have to look at issues of purchasing,
maintaining, deployment of such weapons, not to mention the
eventual effectiveness. Singapore does need some sort of MBTs, but
it also needs to consider what weight of the MBT is suitable for
the regional terrain, support issues, and how to deploy them. The
purchase of any equipment must also be fully integrated into the
the battle doctrine. If SAF's doctrine is based on speed and
mobility, a good 60 ton Mekarva will not be suitable. A 30+ tons
medium weight MBT seems to be the best solution. We will also have
to look at the size of the gun, 105mmm or 120mm, tactical
employment of the tank, eg. Tank vs Tank, or fire support, etc.
Transportability of the tank, current trucks can transport the
tanks??? Folding/amphibious??? logistic problem such as does the
tank drinks gas like an Abram does?
There are too many aspect to consider when decising what next gen
light tank/MBT to replace the SM1. I personally thank that
Mindef/SAF would consider all these aspect and come up with a good
solution to counter the Northerners' Tanks without going overkill
into getting a similarly heavy tank (unless their studies warrant
such a purchase). Secondly, anti-tank platforms are also excellent
way to eliminate tanks without going into purchasing of heavy MBTs
ourselves. Reports came out that Eurocopter attempts to promotes
EuroTigers to RSAF dispite the fact that RSAF have already
purchased Apaches. Perhaps enlarging the attach helos numbers is
Singapore's rational answer to the increase of MBT in the
region.
Singapore still needs to replace the SM1 though....
