FFS and Deep Strike
1. Naval Task Force Deep Strike
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1.1 Given that the Formidable class frigates (FFS) are capable of area defence, the Singapore navy would have gained a new deep strike naval capability, as long as they are in the range of our Fokker 50 aircraft (for surface warfare) and when the Seahawks arrive, the Naval Task Force will have reasonable ASW (when the subs are included)
1.2 The FFS with the Endurance Class LPDs will enable the Singapore navy to operate far from home and retain a deadly punch. This would enable the navy to deal with the problem of piracy on Singapore ships, as the 2 classes of ships can carry helos (including the Apaches) to deliver a strike package of NDU operators by helo or by sea.
2. Expeditionary and OOTW Capability
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2.1 With the navy deep strike, army has acquired a deep strike capability. The Endurance Class LPDs can carry troops and deploy them from sea, near the beachhead, given that the Terrax AV-81 can swim at 10 km/h (kind of like the US Marines)
2.2 With elements of the 4 SIR training in Alaska with the striker brigade, the Terrax AV-81must be the new infantry troop carrier, as they are at least mine resistant with their V shaped hull.
2.3 In this context the armour plating on the 5 tonne trucks would make more sense as these would then be part of the combat resupply train, whcih is important in OOTW.
3. OOTW in a urban Areas
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3.1 See
www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/publications/cyberpioneer/features/2005/apr05_cs.html for the special equipment used by 3 SIR, including the surveillance ball (featured in future weapons) and the round corner firing system
3.2 See (
www.dso.org.sg/home/newsevents/newsevents_showpage.aspx?id=44) DSO technology in urban ops, including a new sniper detection system with 11 acoustic sensors and the "Through-wall Surveillance Technology"
4. UCAV Strike
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4.1 With the acquisition of the Hermes 450 by the SAF, we now have a strike capability with our UAVs for the first time.
4.2 Given the cost effectiveness of the system, IMHO, the SAF will be looking for more capable solutions in future. Professor Lui Pao Chuen, has stated that the F5E cost $4m, the F16A/B $20m, F16C/D $40m and F15SG $80m, thereby making UCAV attractive as a substitute.
4.3 This means that in time the Reaper class UCAVs will become more attractive as a substitute to CAS.