Tuesday, May 08, 2007

I refer to the article titled ”Navy’s new high-tech frigates ‘vital to SAF’”, from The Sunday Times May 6 2007.

According to the article, the Navy has 6 new frigates that will play important roles in the integrated SAF. The new Naval frigates are armed with the latest technologies, including modern sensors and advanced computing systems. These frigates will provide surveillance and defense over a wide area spanning hundreds of kilometers, even extending into the air.

The new plan by the SAF, coined the ‘third-generation Singapore Armed Forces’ or the 3G SAF, is to make the military based more on a technologically advanced force, and relying less on soldiers. This is a great plan, since it could potentially save lives while ensuring Singapore’s safety. As technology advances, our lives are improved tremendously. Since we can now utilize high-tech military forces for our defense, we need not rely on human lives to defend our country. Even though these new and advanced frigates may cost a lot of money, it is worth it when we can save the lives of our men and women in the Navy. Also, with the higher level of technology, there will be less danger to our soldiers risking their lives for our defense. Any threat that may come will be dealt with swiftly and decisively. The frigates will also serve to deter any terrorist or hostile acts against Singapore, knowing that the odds of getting away and succeeding will be very low, due to the integrated and advanced military. This psychological barrier is invaluable, since it can deter any terrorist attacks without a single shot being fired. Thus, I fully agree to this new move to integrate high levels of technology into the Singapore military.

The commissioning of the frigates also serves to remind us of the importance of maritime security. With the threat of terrorism ever present, we must always remain vigilant. Since the time Singapore was founded, we have always depended upon trade for our economy. And now, with the booming economies of neighbouring countries like China and India, these trade routes are highly valuable and important. The Straits of Malacca is vital, since we depend on it not only for trade but also as sea lines of communication. If these areas are not securely defended, any enemy can easily cripple Singapore’s economy. The six frigates that will be commissioned over the next two years will adequately defend this vital part of our nation. It also reminds everyone that although Singapore seems like a safe place, everyone must do his or her part to ensure that this peaceful way of life remains this way. Especially since an attempted terrorist bombing has occurred in our nation already, when the JI attempted to bomb an MRT station. It could be said that the frigates stand vigil in our waters while remaining in the hearts of all Singaporeans, reminding them to always be vigilant.