Singapore is often regarded as one of the most militarized countries in the world, boasting Southeast Asia’s strongest navy and air force, which help deter foreign threats. Its state-of-the-art defense missile systems ensure that any potential attack is countered effectively. However, there is one significant challenge: Singapore’s small size. The country is tiny compared to its neighboring giants, with an area of approximately 719 square kilometers, far smaller than cities like New York, which covers around 122,283 square kilometers. This limited size poses a disadvantage in national defense because it restricts strategic depth and maneuvering options during a conflict.
A smaller land area means fewer places to deploy and conceal military assets, making them more vulnerable to detection and destruction by adversaries. Additionally, the compact nature of Singapore’s territory means that a successful strike could have devastating consequences for the entire nation. Any breach in its defenses could quickly escalate into a crisis, affecting critical infrastructure, civilian populations, and the country’s ability to sustain prolonged military engagements.
Even with some of the world’s best and most advanced military systems, Singapore’s size prevents it from being considered a military powerhouse. But for the sake of discussion, let’s imagine an all-out war with its neighbors. In such a scenario, missiles would quickly be aimed at the city-state. Can Singapore defend against tens or even hundreds of missiles? The answer is yes.
Singapore’s missile defense system is designed to intercept and neutralize most, if not all, incoming threats. This is why Singapore is still considered a strong nation in Southeast Asia. The cornerstone of this defense is the Island Air Defence (IAD) system, a comprehensive network that integrates advanced sensors, weapon systems, and command and control elements to protect against a wide range of air threats. This system includes ground-based air defense systems like the ASTER-30 Missile System and SPYDER, supported by sensors like the Multi-Mission Radar, all functioning cohesively in an integrated system.
Let’s take a closer look at how this system works. Within a 70-kilometer range from Singapore, the country deploys the Aster 30 missile system, which replaced the older I-Hawk system that had been in use for over 30 years. The Aster 30, operational 24/7 since August 2020, is an all-weather, ground-based missile system designed to counter a wide range of air threats, including fighter aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, and precision-guided munitions. It boasts a longer range and greater interception capability than the I-Hawk system it replaced.
The Aster 30 can intercept fighter jets up to 70 kilometers away. Its missiles weigh 450 kilograms, can reach speeds of Mach 4.5 (four and a half times the speed of sound), and have a maximum intercept altitude of 60,000 feet. This first line of defense already shows that most foreign fighter threats would be neutralized before they reach Singapore.
In addition to the Aster 30, Singapore deploys its F-16 C/D/D+ and F-15SG fighter jets against other incoming threats, such as hostile aircraft and UAVs. The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s new F-16s are arguably the best in the region and can compete with Malaysia and Indonesia’s fighter jets. The F-15SG, an advanced variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle, enhances Singapore’s air defense and strike capabilities. This $1.6 billion contract, signed in December 2005, includes 12 F-15SGs equipped with 15 weapon stations capable of carrying a mix of conventional and precision weapons. Powered by two turbofan engines, the F-15SG can reach speeds of over Mach 2.5.
What can Indonesia or Malaysia offer against these advanced fighters? While they may have older aircraft, Singapore’s continuously upgraded F-15SGs and more advanced F-16s, equipped with Python-5 missiles, give it a significant advantage.
Singapore is also set to acquire the F-35 Lightning II, which will further enhance its defense capabilities and ensure that no foreign threats can penetrate its defenses for decades to come.
If any foreign threats do manage to approach Singapore, additional defense systems are in place. Within a 15-kilometer range, Singapore deploys the SPYDER system, known for its rapid and precise responses to aircraft and munition threats. This system, ordered in 2008 and delivered between 2011 and 2012, significantly extends Singapore’s air defense coverage compared to the older Rapier system. SPYDER can intercept aerial threats at more than twice the range and three times the altitude of its predecessor, while also being more manpower-efficient.
Finally, within the last 8 kilometers of Singapore, the country deploys the RBS 70, a short-range, ground-based anti-aircraft missile system developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics. Despite being older equipment, it is still widely used and has been exported to over 18 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Finland, and Singapore. The RBS 70 is portable, operable by one person, and can be linked to a surveillance radar to form an anti-aircraft battery. It can engage targets at altitudes up to 5,000 meters and has a maximum range of 8,000 meters, making it a versatile and reliable air defense option.
Singapore’s defense system is further bolstered by a wide range of radars, from the aerostat to the SHIKRA, ensuring that any foreign threat is detected and dealt with swiftly.
In summary, Singapore deploys the most advanced defense system in Southeast Asia, capable of defending itself against military threats. However, its concentrated territory means that a single missile could devastate much of the city. The key question remains: can any missile actually reach Singapore?
Singapore’s real challenge, however, is not its military capability but its sustainability. Much of what Singapore is today depends on imports, including food, water, and other necessities. Singapore also does not produce its own military equipment, making it vulnerable to sustained attacks. This is why Singapore’s most important asset isn’t its military but its foreign diplomacy.
Singapore positions itself not as a military threat but as a business partner. In fact, many countries in Southeast Asia would lose more than they would gain by attacking Singapore. The country lacks natural resources, and as a member of ASEAN, it benefits from collective security and stability in the region.
If diplomacy is more effective than military might, why does Singapore invest billions in its military? Why even bother when conflicts in the 21st century are decreasing? Singapore might one day rely on the United States for defense. The answer lies in deterrence. Singapore’s significant military investment is designed to deter potential adversaries from attacking in the first place. By maintaining a strong and credible defense, Singapore ensures that the cost of aggression is too high for any would-be attacker.
Furthermore, a strong military underpins Singapore’s role as a secure and stable hub for international business. In a region with varying degrees of political stability, Singapore’s robust defense capabilities reassure multinational companies and investors that their operations in the country will be safe from disruptions due to conflict or instability. This stability is a cornerstone of Singapore’s economic success and global standing.