US Chief Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr. visits Singapore

[OPSSG]

[nomedia]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9cnijz_BBc[/nomedia]

RSAF block 52+ F-16D with CFTs mounted

A RSAF airman cleans the head-up display on an F-16 fighter jet at the static display of aircraft on Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010 in Singapore.

RSAF Hermes 450

Airmen from RSAF assemble an Elbit Hermes 450 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at the Singapore Airshow February 1, 2010.

RSAF G550 CAEW on public display for the first time: Story by Flight Global.

Front view

Rear view

Israel Aerospace Industries subsidiary Elta says the CAEW platform offers a mission endurance of 9h when operating at an altitude of 41,000ft (12,500m) and 185km from its home base. The aircraft features dual S-band radar arrays at the front and rear, plus L-band sensors on the fuselage side, providing 360° coverage. Israel's configuration has six on-board operator stations.

Collage from Singapore Air Show 2010

Singapore Technology's booth at the Singapore Air Show 2010 with a couple of new toys featured in more detail below.

Terrex with a 30mm RCWS

A Singapore made 40mm AGL with optics on display

Designed to meet rapid deployment and quick insertion requirements the above crew-served weapon from ST Kinetics, the 40mm LWAGL, weighs only 19.5 kilograms (excluding optics), which makes it one of the lightest 40 mm automatic grenade launcher available. The reduction in weight is due to its thin walled structure based upon durable, lightweight materials such as titanium and others. It differs also from other AGLs in the design of its low impulse recoil system. Also offered with the LWAGL is a fire control system which combines a 3X optical scope, day and night camera and laser range finder with an ammunition programmer.

UK's MoD and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration both buy 40mm grenades from ST Kinetics and their factory in Singapore can produce 6,000 grenades a day.

[h/t to VAMAN and the usual guilty parties ]

 

[OPSSG]

Exercise Cobra Gold (1 to 11 Feb 2010)

In the mean time, in Pattaya, Thailand, a 132-member SAF contingent is taking part in Exercise Cobra Gold, together with the Royal Thai Armed Forces, United States Pacific Command, Japan Self-Defense Forces, Indonesian National Defence Forces and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Exercise Cobra is a series of annual multilateral exercises focusing on peace support and civilian evacuation operations. More than 11,500 personnel, including 6,000 from the United States, are participating and for the first time that the Republic of Korea is taking part.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p09B70bCO0M"]YouTube[/nomedia]

Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint and coalition multi-national exercise hosted annually by Thailand. This exercise marks the 29th anniversary of this regionally significant training event. U.S. Ambassador Eric G. John earlier told a press conference that Cobra Gold is America’s “largest military cooperative effort in the Pacific” and signals “the US commitment to the security of our friends and allies in the Asia-Pacific region.” The training is based on a "computer-simulated command post exercise (CPX), field training exercises linked to the CPX, and humanitarian and civic assistance projects," Ambassador John said. The joint activity is designed to improve the American Pacific Command’s ability to carry out joint and multi-national military operations and to improve the ability of the participating countries’ armed forces to work together.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFMFcyiMkSs"]cobra gold 2010 opening ceremony 2 - YouTube[/nomedia]

In this exercise, the US Army deployed a land-based command post that can work with the host nation and NGOs to establish communications and control the military effort. This is a large command post that requires two C-17 loads. The SAF has been a full participant of Exercise Cobra Gold since 2000, having sent observers to the exercise from 1993 to 1999.

THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) The SAF will also be participating in a field training exercise which aims to enhance interoperability among the participating armed forces.I see Singaporean army officers intermingled with a US Marine contingent. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)

I spy two Singapore naval officers in the foreground contingent mixed in with USN personnel and in the rear contingent, Korean Marines.[h/t to Kadrun for pix of the Korean Marines]

THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) U.S. Marines and Singapore soldiers march during the Cobra Gold 2010 Opening Ceremony at Utapao Air Base, Thailand. Cobra Gold 2010 is a annual bilateral training exercise conducted between the Armed Forces of Thailand and the U.S. military in order to enhance interoperability and improve communities through humanitarian assistance and civil action projects. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)

THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) Military members of Cobra Gold 2010 participating countries stand at attention during the opening ceremony at the Utapao Air Base, Thailand. I also spot a RSAF officer at the opening ceremony. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)

THAILAND (Feb. 1, 2010) Members of the Royal Thai Naval Air Wing stand at parade rest during the Cobra Gold 2010 opening ceremony at Utapao Air Base, Thailand. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Uriel De Luna-Felix/Released)

[h/t to Kadrun for pix of the Korean Marines]

KANCHANABURI, PROVINCE, Thailand (Feb. 5, 2010) – Dr.(Maj.) Bertrand Chew, Singapore Armed Forces, performs dental work on a boy during a medical engagement exercise in Ratchaburi Province, Feb. 5. This was one of seven Medical Civic Assistance projects scheduled as part of Exercise Cobra Gold 2010.

KANCHANABURI PROVINCE, Thailand (Feb. 1, 2010) – Singapore Army Maj. David Law, ophthalmologist, checks the eyes of a patient at the first Medical Civic Assistance Program site at the Baan Kroeng Kra Reaon School, in the Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, in support of Exercise Cobra Gold. This was the first of several MEDCAP sites scheduled throughout the course of the exercise. The MEDCAP sites will bring together doctors, dentists and veterinarians from the armed forces of Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Thailand and the United States. Cobra Gold is a regularly scheduled joint and coalition multinational exercise hosted annually by the Kingdom of Thailand. This year marks the 29th anniversary for the exercise, which consists of a Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative Exercise, CPX, H/CA projects and field training exercises. (Photo by U.S. Army Master Sgt. Christina Bhatti-Madden)

KANCHANABURI PROVENCE, Thailand (Feb. 1, 2010) – Singapore Army Medical Assistant, Staff Sgt. Armuam Jaycnthi, and Republic of Korea Dr. (Capt.) Dong Gyn Kim talk about patient care at the first Medical Civic Assistance Program site at the Baan Kroeng Kra Reaon School, in the Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand, in support of Exercise Cobra Gold 10, Feb. 1.

See the US Army Website for more info and this transcript, where Lt. Gen. Mixon discussed Cobra Gold with bloggers.

 

[OPSSG]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFS_GjnZXw4"]YouTube- US, Thailand, S Korea hold military exercise in Thailand - CCTV 100205[/ame]

 

[OPSSG]

Singapore Technology's booth at the Singapore Air Show 2010

Below we have more details on the new SAR-21A which has ambidextrous controls, a 3.2KG unloaded weight, a full Picatinny rail along its length and a Higher ROF of 600 to 900 RPM. In particular note the unusual max range claims of 460m to 800m.

Other sources indicate that ST Kinetics has sold the SAR-21 to 15 countries and while production figures has not been released, the company's facilities in Singapore can assemble a new SAR-21 every 8 minutes.

 

[Firn]

@OPSSG: Have you handled Singapore's version? I'm pretty sure though that the older guys will have to do with the old toys with which they have been trained.

Is it well liked by the current crop? The new model seems sensible enough, but it is of course hard to tell how it performs from a couple of bits....


Firn

 

[OPSSG]

@OPSSG: Have you handled Singapore's version?

Not while I was in the service. The first weapon I was trained in was the M16S1 and have since moved on to learn about other infantry weapons.

I'm pretty sure though that the older guys will have to do with the old toys with which they have been trained.

Sad but true in this case.

The new model seems sensible enough, but it is of course hard to tell how it performs from a couple of bits....

The Singapore army likes to think a bit ahead. In the late eighties I was involved in a project that was called the Army 2000 project. Much of the fruits of our developmental work remains classified, so I'll have to remain silent.

I think that new SAR-21A model on display is not currently in service. It's a new spiral development for the SAR-21 family.

 

[Firn]

The cheek piece should help rapid and steady aiming, but it looks a bit low and doesn't seems to be adjustable. The optimal height has to do a lot with the individual built and the type of aiming device sitting on that rail. It could be a fine compromise for the standard scope, this reflex sight and the "typical" Singapore built. Is the lenght of pull adjustable? Perhaps with spacers?

Good to see lefties can use it naturally. The removable handguard seems to make a neat integration of an UGL easier. Other than that it looks nice and rugged.


Firn

 

[OPSSG]

Embedded below is the latest Singapore Mindef video on Singaporeans in Afghanistan:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRIjfVryESQ]To Make a Difference[/ame]

[h/t to bdique for finding the video]

A hand-made Singapore crest hangs proudly beside those of the Netherlands and Australia at the field hospital in Camp Hollad, exemplifying how the three forces work hand-in-hand in saving lives.

MAJ (Dr) Adrian Tan (right) presenting a hand-made symbolic crest of Singapore to MAJ Diana Verweij, Officer Commanding, 420 Med Coy of the Netherlands Armed Forces.

Personal ties formed during recreational activities and events like barbecues helped to cement the working relationship among different personnel and countries.

Working well together with their Dutch counterparts is essential in the SAF medical team's ability to carry out their medical tasks smoothly. The 20-man team was deployed at a field hospital in the provincial capital of Tarin Kowt.

The Emergency Room is abuzz with action as the medical teams manage two severe casualties simultaneously.

In other related news, Singapore sent another 13-man medical team to Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan in Afghanistan. The team will provide emergency medical support, primary healthcare and pre- and post-operative medical care to the International Security Assistance Force, the Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan locals. This medical team deployment ties in well with the building efforts of the PRT featured in the 2nd video above. If you are interested, there is an old Mindef story link here.

 

[OPSSG]

Just a quick update with a old NATO released video of the work of the Singaporean Engineer Project Team in Bamyan, Afghanistan (working with the NZ PRT):

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIsrO5156Qc"]YouTube- NATO Singapore assistance[/ame]

[h/t to bdique for finding the video]

Below are old pixs of some long completed projects:

The Engineer Project Team worked with the local Afghan contractors on building two bridges at the Monara and Chapdara villages.

The pixs both above and below, shows the SAF is at work in literally building bridges in Afghanistan. Good to see our tax dollars at work, trying to make things better in our little way.

As can be seen from the 1st bridge pix, it was completed in 2007 but this picture was released by Mindef in March 2010.

Above a Singaporean shaking hands with a NZ PRT member at a local event. These are old pixs as you can see even the camo is different. The pixs of the Medical team in the immediate prior post is more current as you can see from the digital camo.

Dental officer MAJ (Dr) Lee Chee Wee was one of the members of the Dental Project Team sent to set up the first dental clinic at the hospital in Bamiyan province, Afghanistan, from scratch.

Singapore currently has a weapon locating radar detachment (pixs previously posted on page 3 of this thread) and a medical team deployed in Oruzgan province. In April 2010, following the completion of our medical team's deployment, I understand that we will deploy a surgical team to Oruzgan for the first time. The continued deployment of construction engineering teams in Bamiyan province will remain unchanged. Later this year, Singapore is also prepared to deploy a KC-135 aerial refuelling tanker and an UAV Task Group in Afghanistan.

 

[OPSSG]

Singapore's new Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopters

The Singaporean Peace Triton naval helicopter detachment, located at the Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego completes an eight-day joint exercise with the US Navy, codenamed Golden Merlion.

This exercise saw the day and night deployment of two of the RSN's six anti-submarine helicopters, five warships, six naval helicopters, two maritime patrol aircraft and a nuclear submarine from the US Navy (click to see another Mindef article and news release).

In local news on the USN providing training for the RSN with regards to the integration of naval helicopters in an article called 'S'pore navy on target in Pacific exercise.' You can also read the article in another DT thread here.

[h/t to who for the scan]

More pixs below:

 

[keffinsg]

Ranger Instructors

Yes, these ranger guys were really quite something. My impression of them was gained from my instructor - our section commander during my SAFINCOS (NCO Training School - I think it is called SISPEC now).

We were finishing off section patrolling exercise in Lower Mandai, and were headed back to the meeting point for transportation back to SAFTI. The section was walking at quite some speed downhill through a forested hilly area. My ranger section commander sergeant (this was in the days where ordinary section commanders were corporals, and only regulars became sergeant), was slightly ahead and on the left of me.

Suddenly he stopped and held his hand out indicating form me to stop. I stopped and looked at him bewildered. He then pointed to a bunch of ferns in front of me which I would have brushed pass. I looked, and inside it was a bl**dy 2 metre long cobra. I just cursed and jumped backwards. If he had not be ranger trained and did not stop me, I don't know if I would be writing this story today.

K

In basic military training, I had a recce trained platoon SGT who was also ranger qualified. It was great learning from him how to move in the jungle. He has a particular way of walking that is very silent, when moving through jungle vegetation. While we, as conscripts, could never meet his high standards, we gained much from his instruction and example. The ranger cadre are superior in individual soldiering skills and are very much a resource to learn from.

 

[OPSSG]

Three April News releases with pixs from Singapore led CTF-151:

No. 1

April 4, 2010 - USS Farragut (DDG 99) passes by the smoke from a suspected pirate skiff it had just disabled. USS Farragut is part of Combined Task Force 151, a multinational task force established to conduct anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/Released)

The Sierra Leone-flagged tanker MV Evita came under attack 500 km north-west of the Seychelles by three suspected pirate skiffs. During the attack, the pirates fired rifles and aimed rocket propelled grenades at the vessel in an attempt to force it to stop... A Swedish Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPRA), from EUNAVFOR, contacted the MV Evita and subsequently located the suspected pirate skiffs. A SH-60B Seahawk helicopter, from Farragut, was immediately dispatched to monitor the pirates while the suspected pirate skiffs were boarded. Eleven suspected pirates were aboard the skiffs, along with fuel drums and grappling hooks. The MPRA had previously witnessed the suspected pirates throwing ladders and equipment overboard. After ensuring that the suspected pirates had no means to conduct any more attacks, all 11 were released on the two small skiffs, while the mother skiff was destroyed and sunk...

The Master of MV Evita, CAPT Norberto Grubat from the Philippines, expressed his gratitude for the assistance rendered by the coalition forces and the maritime organizations, saying: "In future emergencies, I would definitely give you a call for assistance. Thank you very much for your help."

...

No. 2

April 13, 2010 - Participants in Exercise Rat Trap gather for a photo after the successful completion of the exercise, with DDG Marshal Shaposhnikov in the background. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson).

CTF-151 has just completed a joint counter-piracy exercise called 'Exercise Rat Trap' with the Russian destroyer RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov. In the simulated pirate attack, the boarding team from RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov demonstrated their capabilities as they boarded USS Farragut’s flight deck from their RHIBs. This was followed by a search of the ‘pirate skiff’ for weapons and other pirate gear, and resulted in the apprehension of the pirates. All the action was followed by a friendly interaction between the teams of the two ships, where boarding tactics were shared and discussed....

Rear Admiral Bernard Miranda, Commander CTF 151, Republic of Singapore Navy, was extremely pleased with the conduct of the exercise and the joint planning conducted between the ships. He said: "The successful conduct of Exercise Rat Trap between CTF-151 and RFS Marshal Shaposhnikov marks another milestone in cooperation among counter-piracy forces here in the Gulf of Aden. This is the first time we have conducted a counter-piracy exercise with an independently deployed nation, and it certainly will not be the last. The valuable lessons learnt and the friendship gained today will serve us a long way as we continue our common mission in counter-piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Somalia Basin."

Capt Akhmerov agreed saying: "We can achieve greater success fighting pirates through interoperability among the naval forces," he went on to add, "We all have a common mission to provide a secure environment for every vessel to feel safe transiting through the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Basin. We have to achieve that not just through military means, but also through political and cultural means."

No. 3

April 15, 2010 - The U.S. destroyer USS Farragut of CTF-151, intercepted suspected pirates in the Gulf of Aden, whilst undertaking tasking as part of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The Thailand-flagged bulk carrier MV Thor Traveller came under attack in the early morning of April 15, 240 km east of Aden by a skiff with seven suspected pirates on board. During the attack, the suspected pirates fired rifles and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) at the vessel for ten minutes in an attempt to force her to stop.

The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Faragut (DDG 99) intercepts a suspected pirate skiff. Members of the boarding team take details from the suspected pirates. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cassandra Thompson/RELEASED).

The master of the vessel immediately radioed for assistance. The CMF unit Farragut was in the area and immediately closed to the merchant vessel at maximum speed. In the darkness, the USS Farragut and its embarked helicopter located the suspected pirate skiff as it was attempting to escape. The helicopter used spotlights and smoke floats to warn the skiff to stop and observed the suspected pirates throw items overboard. A boarding team then confiscated further items of pirate paraphernalia. To prevent the suspected pirates from conducting any more attacks, the skiff was instructed to head back to the Somali Coast...