PETER LAYTON |

Since 2005, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has been steadily reinventing itself as a ‘third generation’ force in accordance with an overarching Singaporean Armed Forces vision. This long-term, carefully planned approach reflects Singapore’s understanding that as a small city-state it is always potentially vulnerable to coercive diplomacy whether by neighbouring states or more distant great powers.

To counter this, since independence in 1967 the country has placed great emphasis on maintaining strong, competent armed forces irrespective of whether the strategic environment is threatening or not.

The ‘first generation’ RSAF (1967-1985) focussed on being able to defend Singapore island from air threats. Some equipment like the Bloodhound surface-to-air missile (SAM) system was inherited from the British. Others like new F-5s and refurbished Hunter fighters and Skyhawk attack aircraft were acquired.

This first generation RSAF was constructed in accordance with a so-called ‘poisonous shrimp’ deterrence strategy. First President Lee Kuan Yew thought that while Singapore might be small and vulnerable, the armed forces should be able to credibly threaten any larger opponents with a great deal of pain if consumed.

Read the full “Singapore’s air force reinvents itself” article in Defence Today by Griffith Asia Institute Visiting Fellow Peter Layton.