For the benefit of our non-mandarin speaking friends. A rough
english translation, feel free to improve.
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Article: Soon to be procured SPYDER missile system, upgrading our
country's air defence capability
Lian He Zao Bao
19 Mar 2010
By Chai Yong Wei
New Missile system
Header: SPYDER is a low level, rapid response surface to air
missile system, range 15 km and above, believed to replace a
missile used by airforce for over 20 years, the 7 km ranged, UK
built rapier missile.
Singapore has approached isreal to buy the SPYDER surface to air
missile system, which in range or altitude will be better than the
rapier, hence increasing air defence capability.
According to news by an american defence magazine last month,
Singapore selected in 2009 the isreali company Rafael's spyder
surface to air missile, and received an unknown number of
missiles.
According to this paper's understanding, A MINDEF/SAF announcement
is expected within this year.
SPYDER is a low level, rapid response surface to air missile
system, range 15 km and above, believed to replace a missile used
by airforce for over 20 years, the 7 km ranged, UK built rapier
missile.
Rapier is used by 165 sqn, formed in 1983, and can shoot down
targets within 3 km.
According to the rafael website, SPYDER missile system not only
provides a fixed installation air defence capability, it also
provides air defence for armoured forces, with all day, 360 degree
defence capability, and no limitation on angle.
From target id until missile firing, reaction time is not more than
5 seconds, firing range from within 1 km to over 15km, firing
altitude from 20 feet to 9000 feet. It has simultaneous targeting
capability, firing single missile or multiple missiles.
SPYDER is the abbreviation of "Surface-to-air Python and Derby".
Python and Derby represents the Python 5 and Derby missile, most
special feature is that it (the system) uses 2 different types of
missile. The Python 5 and Derby are Israel's latest air to air
missiles, currently Israeli Air Force's core munition.
Python 5 is a agile capable short-ranged dogfight missile, Derby
being a medium range air defence missile, which technology wise is
a next generation air to air missile catagory. Israel has packaged
them into the same weapons system., equipping into one SPYDER
system with short and medium range capability, whilst having 2
separate systems.
Hence SPYDER missile system is cost-effective, providing upgraded
air defence for a country with limited military budget. Besides
short range air defence, SPYDER also provides medium ranged air
defence
As it can cope with both short range and medium range air targets,
it can shoot down both aircraft and other air vehicles, as well as
UAVs, air dropped bombs and missiles, capability better than
current air defence systems.
Singapore is small, having a dense population, with many tall
buildings, if attacked, will suffer more greatly than a large
country, hence great emphasis is placed on air defence, especially
with America's example of 911 terrorists attacking by hijacking
airliners and crashing them into ground targets, it makes one
appreciate more the importance of air defence.
Besides Rapier, the air force in accordance with its differing
environment needs and uses, operates 5 other types of air defence
system, including the "improved hawk" (I-hawk), "needle" type
(IGLA), RBS 70 type laser guidance, north wind type (Mistral) and
oerlikon 35mm calibre gun.
Malaysia Defence Minister:
No need to worry or speculate
Singapore's actions of purchasing an air defence system has been
read by some "people of intent" as an arms race between the two
countries.
But the Malaysian defence minister in responding to local media
queries, says the purchase of military equipment by a country is a
normal affair, no need to worry or speculate.
He said, Malaysia is not worried by Singapore's military activites.
He also emphasised, the defence relationship between the 2
countries is very good and often conducts joint military
exercises.