long live usa said:
with a total strength of 418,000 troops that are well trained i think they could easily survive an intial attack, but do to its size im not sure about a pro longed conflict(we'll say there being atacked by indonesia or china higly unlikely i know) i dont think they could strike back offensively in any big way so the main point of the thread is how long do you think singapore could hold out without any assistance?
IN regional terms Singapore has extremely advanced and capable military forces. It's airforce currently operates VERY advanced F-16 variants, (upgraded Block 52/52+ variants) along with highly upgraded F-5's and A-4's. Each of these is robustly supported by AWACS and A2A refuellers, along with a tightly integrated IADS and excellent ground and naval forces.
it has just chosen F-15SG's as it's next generation fighter. This is the most advanced F-15 variant made to date and though only 1x Sqn has been ordered so far, additional examples to replace it's A-4 and F-5 fleet are expected soon (ish).
This F-15 variant (known as the F-15SG) is likely to be THE most capable tactical strike fighter in the Asia-Pacific region when it's introduced (it will even be more capable than the USAF F-15E's). The Singapore Air force will then operate a "2 tier" airforce comprising advanced F-15/F-16 variants, the only genuine operational AWACS capability in the region, in the form of 4x E-2C Hawkeye's, soon to be upgraded to Hawkeye 2000 standard and possibly beyond, plus a high level A2A refuelling capability, with KC-135R aircraft fulfilling this role.
Singapore has also signed on to join the JSF program, with the aim of eventually replacing it's remaining F-5's and earlier model F-16's, with probably the remaining F-16's to be replaced as well.
The RSAF will clearly be the most capable air force in the region in years to come. It's Army is being significantly upgraded with new AH-64D Apache Longbow aircraft to be delivered and based in Singapore from 2008 and new artillery, SAM and armour projects improving her capability.
Her Navy hasn't suffered either with 6x Laffyette class "stealth" frigates to be delivered, plus other capable Corvettes patrol craft, minehunter etc and new submarines.
Overall, I'd say basically anyone would have a tough time of it against Singapore. They don't have a lot of "depth" and would be forced by geography to "fight hard" and not give an inch. Plus they are members of the Five Power Defence Agreement, meaning that Singapore would be able to call upon the capabilities of it's partners, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and the United Kingdom if attacked by Countries outside of this agreement.
These Countries would be able to povide significant assistance particular in air and Naval capabilities...