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Originally Posted by Ray
Does Singapore have manoeuvre space?
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Thats a loaded question.
You're obviously well aware that they're real estate challenged. Hence their requirement to not only train offshore, but also keep some critical assets based offshore in the event of losing the force de main in a shock attack by an uncharitable enemy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray
Having hi tech equipment alone does not make a military..
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no, but competency in its employment is. there are numerous examples of nations who have "rated" export product and are absolutely useless in their employment of them. I'd argue that Singapore is
definitely not in that club.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray
It has to have area for employment..
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At the risk of preaching to the converted (so the following statement is not for your benefit), every modern military trains for unforseen and unlikely war scenarios. In singapores case, their requirement to train is very much hindered by what is self evident - a city/state that is highly urbanised, but is structured around channeling any land generated military assets into killing boxes. The singaporean view (and the israeli view because the israelis have been participants in the development of that doctrine) is to reach out and fight the land enemy in the enemies battlespace as much as possible so that their airforce and navy can contribute to main force manouvre. Even if a force was to land in substance and engage meaningfully, then it would be a nightmare for FIBUA. Singapore city is almost a perfect FIBUA environment in the defenders favour - and it is structured to favour defending armour. Their force structure is designed around battlespace integration of all 3 services, and all 3 services can indulge in co-operative engagement. (AWACs/PARs etc)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray
I am aware that they train beyond their shores including in India.
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For those who may not know, Singapore has training facilities in the US, France and 2 training areas in Australia. The main Australian training area provided to Singapore is more than 4 times the size of Singapore itself. Thats used for helo and land warfare training. The second facility is for fixed wing pilot training. They also conduct combined training in aust's main training areas. IIRC the weapons range is the largest in the world (incl the canadians). In addition to training against local forces, they also participate in large combined events with the US, French, Thais, Sth Koreans so as to be able to game out complex and disparate scenarios against more than one force and engagement style (to get rid of the "creature of habit" mentality). They were keen to be based at the missile/rocket test facility, but thats been long term leased by 2 other countries for stealth platform developments.
AFAIK the Sing/India relationship is on co-op training, there isn't a weapons training real estate component built in (??). I'd be interested to know what their Indian arrangement provides though.
It would be a sheer act of hubris for any enemy force to assume that they lacked competency due to real estate limitations. They have the political will, intent and a capability to make any enemy hurt considerably and sharply at a meaningful military level.