The Straits Times, March 6, 2007
By David Boey
Mindef buys only what is needed, cost-effective and suitable in modernisation effort, says Teo Chee Hean
By David Boey
Mindef buys only what is needed, cost-effective and suitable in modernisation effort, says Teo Chee Hean
DEFENCE MINISTRY FY07/08 budget: $10.6 billion Up 5.3%THE Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is developing more lethal combat capabilities without breaking the bank.
Smarter use of defence technology to produce better weapons, improved methods of fighting and more committed national servicemen (NSmen) have given the SAF more bang for the buck in its modernisation effort.
In the debate on his ministry's budget yesterday, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean pledged that every defence dollar would be spent wisely.
The ministry's budget has risen by 5.3 per cent to a record $10.6 billion for the new financial year starting April 1.
But the sum is within the cap on defence spending, Mr Teo said yesterday.
The cap has been set at 6 per cent of Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the goods and services it produces.
Although the Government is prepared to spend up to 6 per cent, defence spending in the last five years has been kept below 5 per cent of the GDP, said the minister.
'Mindef is mindful of its responsibility to spend wisely and buy equipment carefully. We buy only what we need, and what is most suitable and cost-effective for us.'
Mr Teo was replying to Ms Irene Ng (Tampines GRC) and Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang), who had asked how Mindef ensures its money is well spent.
He said Mindef buys 'very sophisticated and highly capable equipment, but only when it is needed'.
'Often, we don't need to buy the latest piece of equipment, when upgrading or refurbishing can do the job. When we replace older equipment with more modern ones, we often don't need to replace them on a one-for-one basis.'
Mr Teo related several upgrades that had extended the lifespan of several SAF weapon platforms.
For example, the air force's fleet of A-4 Skyhawk warplanes had served it for 30 years.
The army's fleet of close to 300 SM1 light tanks was acquired in the 1960s as second-hand AMX-13 tanks. Upgraded in the late 1980s with improved equipment such as new gunsights, a more powerful engine and better suspension, these tanks were renamed as SM1 tanks.
Mr Teo said that after nearly 40 years in SAF service, the SM1s are being replaced with 66 refurbished Leopard 2A4 tanks and 30 spare tanks from German Army stocks.
He also assured MPs that Singapore's defence spending does not indicate that a regional arms race is under way.
'It does not make sense for a small country such as Singapore to have aggressive intentions towards any other country.
'Our defence posture is designed to deter military interference or pressure against Singapore, and to defend ourselves if our survival or vital national interests are at stake.
'A capable and operationally ready SAF ensures this,' he said.
Citing figures from the United States (US) Congressional Research Service, Mr Teo said other regional countries are also putting emphasis on defence.
US research data show that from 2002 to 2005, five Asian countries were among the top 10 developing country arms importers. These countries are China, India, South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan.
However, Mr Teo made it plain that he would ask for more money, if necessary.
He said: 'I will not hesitate to ask for more if I feel that I need it, and I have confidence that I will be able to persuade my colleagues in the Ministry of Finance to provide it for me if I do, because there is strong commitment for defence in this country and strong support in this House.
'By spending smart, we will continue to preserve the SAF's edge, and with it the peace and security which provide the foundation for the progress we have enjoyed these last 40 years.'
Smarter use of defence technology to produce better weapons, improved methods of fighting and more committed national servicemen (NSmen) have given the SAF more bang for the buck in its modernisation effort.
In the debate on his ministry's budget yesterday, Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean pledged that every defence dollar would be spent wisely.
The ministry's budget has risen by 5.3 per cent to a record $10.6 billion for the new financial year starting April 1.
But the sum is within the cap on defence spending, Mr Teo said yesterday.
The cap has been set at 6 per cent of Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the goods and services it produces.
Although the Government is prepared to spend up to 6 per cent, defence spending in the last five years has been kept below 5 per cent of the GDP, said the minister.
'Mindef is mindful of its responsibility to spend wisely and buy equipment carefully. We buy only what we need, and what is most suitable and cost-effective for us.'
Mr Teo was replying to Ms Irene Ng (Tampines GRC) and Mr Low Thia Khiang (Hougang), who had asked how Mindef ensures its money is well spent.
He said Mindef buys 'very sophisticated and highly capable equipment, but only when it is needed'.
'Often, we don't need to buy the latest piece of equipment, when upgrading or refurbishing can do the job. When we replace older equipment with more modern ones, we often don't need to replace them on a one-for-one basis.'
Mr Teo related several upgrades that had extended the lifespan of several SAF weapon platforms.
For example, the air force's fleet of A-4 Skyhawk warplanes had served it for 30 years.
The army's fleet of close to 300 SM1 light tanks was acquired in the 1960s as second-hand AMX-13 tanks. Upgraded in the late 1980s with improved equipment such as new gunsights, a more powerful engine and better suspension, these tanks were renamed as SM1 tanks.
Mr Teo said that after nearly 40 years in SAF service, the SM1s are being replaced with 66 refurbished Leopard 2A4 tanks and 30 spare tanks from German Army stocks.
He also assured MPs that Singapore's defence spending does not indicate that a regional arms race is under way.
'It does not make sense for a small country such as Singapore to have aggressive intentions towards any other country.
'Our defence posture is designed to deter military interference or pressure against Singapore, and to defend ourselves if our survival or vital national interests are at stake.
'A capable and operationally ready SAF ensures this,' he said.
Citing figures from the United States (US) Congressional Research Service, Mr Teo said other regional countries are also putting emphasis on defence.
US research data show that from 2002 to 2005, five Asian countries were among the top 10 developing country arms importers. These countries are China, India, South Korea, Malaysia and Pakistan.
However, Mr Teo made it plain that he would ask for more money, if necessary.
He said: 'I will not hesitate to ask for more if I feel that I need it, and I have confidence that I will be able to persuade my colleagues in the Ministry of Finance to provide it for me if I do, because there is strong commitment for defence in this country and strong support in this House.
'By spending smart, we will continue to preserve the SAF's edge, and with it the peace and security which provide the foundation for the progress we have enjoyed these last 40 years.'
No comments:
Post a Comment