Committee of Supply 2026 debate, Day 2: Chan Chun Sing on developing defence capabilities for the next bound, not the last conflict
Singapore must build defence capabilities to pre-empt new threats and developments even as it manages existing and enduring ones, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said in parliament on Friday (Feb 27). He announced that a second Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC 2) will be opened in Bedok camp to enhance realistic live-firing training for soldiers across a variety of scenarios. The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) will upgrade its Cyber Defence Test and Evaluation Centre and organise national servicemen (NSmen) with relevant cyber experience into sectoral teams to augment the defence of Singapore’s critical networks. The Ministry of Defence is also reviewing its Medical Classification System to more precisely deploy NSmen in a wider spectrum of roles. And the modernisation of air and naval forces continues, with three Gulfstream G550 maritime surveillance aircraft to be acquired. Mr Chan also spoke on how Singapore is building defence relations in a more volatile and complex landscape, finding new opportunities to work with new partners in areas of mutual need.
Singapore must build defence capabilities to pre-empt new threats and developments even as it manages existing and enduring ones, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said in parliament on Friday (Feb 27). He announced that a second Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC 2) will be opened in Bedok camp to enhance realistic live-firing training for soldiers across a variety of scenarios. The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) will upgrade its Cyber Defence Test and Evaluation Centre and organise national servicemen (NSmen) with relevant cyber experience into sectoral teams to augment the defence of Singapore’s critical networks. The Ministry of Defence is also reviewing its Medical Classification System to more precisely deploy NSmen in a wider spectrum of roles. And the modernisation of air and naval forces continues, with three Gulfstream G550 maritime surveillance aircraft to be acquired. Mr Chan also spoke on how Singapore is building defence relations in a more volatile and complex landscape, finding new opportunities to work with new partners in areas of mutual need.