What are 1G,2G and 3G?
In contrast, the critical task facing the first
generation SAF was developing into a credible
fighting force,
while the second generation one focused on systems
that gave it better capabilities with fewer men.
The heart of the third-generation, or 3G, SAF, is
the use of new technology to give it a more deadly punch.
This includes integrating weapons, sensors and
other systems into a network to multiply their combat
power.
STimes 23/11/2005 Page: 20
Headline: Enter the 3G SAF
The essay fr STimes-----
Integrated drill uses electronic systems to coordinate strike
against enemy'
THE 3rd Generation SAF has arrived.
This milestone was signalled yesterday by the successful conclusion
of the
Singapore Armed Forces' first integrated live-fire exercise which
saw six
elements using an electronic network and systems to coordinate and
mount a
precise and overwhelming strike against an 'enemy'.
The exercise, codenamed Forging Sabre, was designed to test the
electronic
detection, tracking, coordination and strike against enemy forces
in an
integrated operation by Apache helicopters, F-16 fighter jets,
Chinook CH47
helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, artillery and
commandos.
American generals, who were guests at the live-fire exercise,
said
afterwards they were impressed by the sophistication of the SAF
operation.
They flew together with guest of honour, Minister of Manpower and
Second
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, by RSAF Chinook CH-47 helicopter to
the exercise
area, the US Marines Air Ground Combat Centre in the sparse and
arid Mojave
Desert.
Accompanying them were senior SAF officers, including exercise
director and
assistant chief of staff (operations) Colonel Philip Lim.
Wearing a Kevlar helmet, goggles and flak jacket, a safety
requirement for
all, Dr Ng witnessed an integrated strike by various SAF elements
from an
observation point on a rocky hill overlooking the remote live-fire
site.
The execution of the mission by the SAF elements was flawless.
Apache attack
helicopters, F-16 fighter aircraft and artillery platforms fired
their weapons
in a precise attack coordinated by a datalink network to destroy an
'enemy'
armoured column.
For 12 days, the 329 SAF officers and men had been carrying out a
series of
exercises to validate the three core capabilities of the 3G SAF -
precision
strike, unmanned warfare, and Integrated Knowledge Command and
Control (IKC2).
IKC2 employs electronic technology to transmit information received
by
sensors like unmanned aerial vehicles to military commanders and
weapons
platforms like the Apaches so that they can act swiftly and
decisively.
The culmination of all the exercises was yesterday's live-fire
operation.
The scenario began with SAF commandos and unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs)
detecting and tracking the movement of enemy armour while
simultaneously
relaying information back to their command headquarters.
This flow of real-time data gave command HQ the critical
situational
awareness to coordinate attacks in a dynamic battlefield
environment.
Once the 'enemy' armoured column entered a designated 'kill box',
Command HQ
activated weapon platforms that included the Apaches, F-16 fighter
aircraft and
artillery.
The outcome: Precise and overwhelming fire finished off the
armoured column.
The heart of the third-generation, or 3G, SAF, is the use of new
technology
to give it a more deadly punch. This includes integrating weapons,
sensors and
other systems into a network to multiply their combat power.
In contrast, the critical task facing the first generation SAF
was
developing into a credible fighting force, while the second
generation one
focused on systems that gave it better capabilities with fewer
men.
Later, at the Strategic Expeditionary Landing Field, used by the
SAF Apaches
and Chinooks, Dr Ng met the personnel of all the SAF elements
involved in the
exercise.
Asked for his impressions of the exercise, he said: 'It has been
very
impressive and I'm happy with the outcome ... We would be
constantly building
our capabilities. There is a lot of work to be done. But we are on
the right
track.
'The fact that men and machines, coming from thousands of miles
away, have
performed well gives us great confidence in the capabilities of the
SAF. It is
a complex technology that we're putting together. All in all, the
exercise has
been successful in meeting our objectives.'
He also expressed his appreciation to the US government for
allowing the SAF
to conduct the exercise on American soil. 'We have excellent ties
with the US
government. On the ground, relations between our soldiers and the
US Marines
have also been excellent,' he commented.
[email protected](FELIX SOH)
2.This ex break a new ground for SAF.
