Short thread: Recall despite the Asian Financial Crisis in 1990s and global economic recession in 2008, Singapore persisted with its defense programmes. Pandemic and its economic uncertainty now puts this "neither feast nor famine" policy in question. straitstimes.com/singapore/saf-…
Some useful materials here from Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen's SAF Day 2020 interview can be found here, including transcript of the chat, and accompanying materials on key training initiatives and defense acquisition programmes. sgpc.gov.sg/media_releases… 1/
"Even for 2021, next year, full recovery remains uncertain.
MINDEF/SAF are taking measures to cut cost where we can without compromising critical operations or reduction in SAF’s medium and long-term capabilities. We will continue to be prudent in our spending," Ng said. 2/
MINDEF/SAF are taking measures to cut cost where we can without compromising critical operations or reduction in SAF’s medium and long-term capabilities. We will continue to be prudent in our spending," Ng said. 2/
"But I think all of us know that we will have to tighten our belts for this year, even the next, even 2022, until the economy fully recovers." Indicates need for fiscal austerity, even as he assured that defence capabilities and critical security ops won't be compromised. 3/
Some defence acquisition projects will be affected - the new helicopters and submarines will see delays in their delivery schedules. 4/ 
Key new overseas SAF training arrangements - in Shoalwater Bay, Australia; and Guam will not be affected. 5/
Maritime security remains crucial nonetheless, despite pandemic. More details on the earlier announced plans to restructure the Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF). The ORBAT will be: 6/
Existing assets under the Maritime Security (MARSEC) Command to be reorganized into three flotillas tasked with specialized roles. 7/
MARSEC Command to proceed with plans to acquire "new purpose-built vessels, auxiliary vessels and boarding teams" - though no details on timeline. Four refurbished "Fearless" class patrol vessels to re-enter service in next few months, equipped with less-lethal capabilities. END
