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Singapore sets up Army Deployment Force to cope with terrorism threats

Xinhua, June 30, 2016 Adjust font size:

Singapore's Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen has announced that Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will set up Army Deployment Force (ADF) to respond to terrorism and other challenges swiftly and decisively.

Ng made the announcement in the SAF Day Media Interview on Tuesday, and the media outlets were authorized to make it public on the eve of this year's SAF Day which falls on Friday.

The defense minister outlined what SAF have done to strengthen its capabilities to cope with more intricate geostrategic environment and security challenges.

Ng reiterated that the threat of terrorism is "clear and present," and no country is immune to the defects of home-grown terrorism. To confront the challenges, SAF has made various efforts to strengthen its capabilities.

Sized as a battalion force, ADF will comprise highly-trained soldiers with niche capabilities, able to respond to terrorist threats in an urban setting.

Ng stressed that the basic task for ADF is the rapid response element.

ADF can be activated in civil contingencies to assist in mass evacuations or to enhance domestic security, as well as for overseas missions, such as in regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations or peace support operations.

Besides, the Defence Science and Technology Agency will set up the National Security Center, which helps to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts. Endit