STimes 01.07.2005
SAF to test fighter jets, sensors in US desert
Drill part of its efforts to transform army into 3G fighting force
WAR machines and sensors that will arm a third-generation Singapore
Armed Forces (SAF) will be put to their first large-scale test in
November in an American desert.
WAR machines and sensors that will arm a third-generation Singapore
Armed
Forces (SAF) will be put to their first large-scale test in
November in an
American desert.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said attack helicopters, F-16 jets,
unmanned reconnaissance planes and commandos will be involved in
war games at Twentynine Palms, in California.
In an interview with the media to mark SAF Day today, Mr Teo said
the
exercise is part of continuing efforts to transform the SAF into a
3G fighting
force.
The occasion will be marked by a parade, to be reviewed by
President S R
Nathan, at the Safti Military Institute this evening.
Mr Teo pointed out that SAF's transformation is a process with 'no
defined
end point'. The process includes greater use of military
technology, the
restructuring of SAF units and better training.
This, he said, has allowed the SAF to use weapons that need fewer
men to
operate and cut full-time national service to two years since the
end of last
year.
'What we're doing is taking the capabilities...the building blocks
that we
have, adding more building blocks, adding enabling systems,
communications,
sensors, networks, so that these can be linked together,'
he said. 'We will try them out, test them, then implement them as
they become ready for the rest of the SAF.'
Looking ahead, the minister said the Republic of Singapore Air
Force (RSAF)
will bring some of its Apache attack helicopters back to Singapore
next year.
These have been kept in the United States for training since they
were
delivered in May 2002.
Armed with guns, guided missiles and rockets, these are the RSAF's
deadliest choppers.
It ordered 20 of the AH-64D Apaches and has taken delivery of
eight. Mr Teo
said it will receive the remaining ones in the next few months, and
their
arrival will allow the RSAF to bring some of its Apaches
home.
We dunt have land,but we've friend
2.But friend is not a allied.We may not agree 100% what our friend
has done.
We dared to argue with him,like in Michael Faye case.In other
countries.a call
or a letter fr US Ambassdor will 'settle the matter out of
Court.'In Sg,....!!
http://www.corpun.com/sgju9403.htm
And we will continue to argue if situation justified .