Around 2,000 experts and government representatives from over 90 countries attended the event.

In his opening address, South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun highlighted how AI use in military operations could strengthen capabilities but also bring potential harm if misused. 

Ukraine’s use of AI-enabled drones in the ongoing conflict with Russia was cited as an example.

The Blueprint

The REAIM Blueprint for Action outlined 20 clauses divided into three sections: the impact of AI on international peace and security; implementing responsible AI in the military domain; and envisaging future governance of AI in the military.

It acknowledged that “AI capabilities in the military domain must be applied in accordance with applicable national and international law.”

Further, the document highlighted that “appropriate human involvement needs to be maintained in the development, deployment and use of AI in the military domain, including appropriate measures that relate to human judgment and control over the use of force.”

Among the topics discussed were risk assessments, confidence-building measures, and preventing AI from being used in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, especially by terrorist groups.

China Opts Out, Russia Not Invited

South Korea, the US, Japan, France, Germany, the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, Pakistan, and Ukraine were among the 61 countries that endorsed the document.

China was one of 30 to opt out. 

Meanwhile, Russia was not invited for the second year in a row due to international condemnation of its Ukraine invasion.

“We also need to be realistic that we will never have the whole world on board,” Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said, adding that this dilemma must be part of further discussions.

This Seoul summit, co-hosted by the Netherlands, Singapore, Kenya, and the UK, follows the inaugural session at The Hague last year that initiated guidelines about AI use on the battlefield. 

This year’s summit’s declaration is said to be more action-oriented. “Last year … was more about creating shared understanding, now we are getting more towards action,” Brekelmans said.

South Korea aims to continue discussions based on the summit document in the upcoming UN General Assembly later this month.

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Valued at $133 million, the potential foreign military sale covers 54 AMRAAM missiles, two guidance sections, control section spares, and missile containers.

It also includes weapon system support, training support, and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale will help Singapore maintain its operational readiness amid increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific.

It will also increase the country’s effectiveness in both training and combat operations.

RTX will serve as the principal contractor should Singapore proceed with the order.

‘Air Dominance Weapon’

The AMRAAM is a new generation weapon capable of hitting beyond-visual-range targets at a reported range of 160 kilometers (99 miles).

It is described as one of the most sophisticated air dominance weapons, registering multiple air-to-air combat victories, according to RTX.

The missile utilizes a combination of inertial guidance and an on-board active radar to reach its intended target and perform an intercept.

It has been integrated into various combat aircraft, including F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, and F/A-18 Super Hornets.

The DSCA said allowing Singapore to procure the AMRAAM will enable the US to improve the security of a strategic partner, which is considered an “important force” for stability in Asia.

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The service recently announced on social media that it has been progressively introducing the 6940E-SG infantry automatic rifle since last month to enhance soldiers’ lethality.

Developed by American firm Colt Manufacturing, the weapon reportedly comes with many features tailored to the needs of infantry troops, including ambidextrous fire controls.

Additionally, the LMG has an adjustable foregrip and buttstock to give operators a more personalized fit.

A picatinny rail system allows the machine gun to integrate new modules to meet the army’s future needs.

The 6940E-SG is relatively shorter than its predecessor, making it more maneuverable in the tight spaces of an urban environment.

More Suppressive Firepower

According to the Singapore Army, the new LMG was procured in partnership with Defence Science and Technology to provide the service with more suppressive firepower.

It replaces the Singapore-made Ultimax 100 Section Automatic Weapon (SAW), which has been in service for more than 40 years.

One of the accessories installed on the new machine gun is a multi-purpose laser aiming device that enables soldiers to operate more effectively in various combat scenarios.

It also comes with a new sighting system that features a 3x magnifier scope, allowing operators to acquire targets more rapidly and accurately.

“The LMG has surpassed the SAW in terms of accuracy and reliability,” platoon trainer Muhammad Noh Bin Muti said. “The increased maneuverability of the weapon allows the gunner to be nimble in tight spaces, which makes this weapon very ideal for urban operations.”

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The Rapid Deployable CUAS was revealed at the 2024 Milipol Asia-Pacific–TechX Summit in Singapore, introduced as the companies’ response to growing threats posed by over-the-counter drones.

The new capability can be installed permanently or deployed temporarily for protection during conflict.

HTX Senior Principal Engineer Dr. Ben Soon said that the companies’ partnership tackles issues resulting from emerging technologies.

“The collaboration aims to address the unique challenges presented by urban environments, providing an effective solution for CUAS in Singapore,” he stated.

Stronger Anti-Drone Security

The Rapid Deployable CUAS incorporates surveillance radar, EO/IR cameras, and jammers as base features, while also allowing seamless integration of additional sensors to enhance performance.

It runs on Hensoldt’s Z:ASSESS software, a mobile security system also used for maritime surveillance, as well as Multi-Sensor Data Fusion technology, allowing it to combine gathered information to create clearer and complete maps of its scanned environment.

It can provide real-time threat detection and mapping, providing its users with a detailed view of identified threats overlaid within specified chosen zones.

Hensoldt anticipates that the system will set the standard for upcoming CUAS technologies by addressing the complex security landscape associated with drones in urban areas.

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The deal, based on a memorandum of agreement signed during the 2024 Singapore Airshow, underlines both companies’ roles in developing the twin-engine plane in the Asia Pacific.

The firms will also collaborate on South America’s military capabilities overseen by ST Engineering, which include various radars and land systems, as well as border security equipment, simulation, and advanced production methods.

Embraer Defense & Security President and CEO João Bosco Costa Junior said that the decision stems from the companies’ strong synergies in maintenance and integrated solutions.

Embraer’s C-390 Millennium

Embraer’s reputation as an aerospace and defense industry leader is due in part to the C-390, a medium-sized jet-powered aircraft currently operated by the Brazilian and Portuguese Air Forces as a premier transport vehicle.

The plane can carry payloads as heavy as 56,000 pounds (26 tons/26,000 kilograms) at up to 470 knots (540 miles/870 kilometers per hour).

Countries such as South Korea and Hungary are set to integrate the C-390 into their forces, with the latter recently completing its maiden flight at Gavião Peixoto in São Paulo, Brazil.

ST Engineering’s Capabilities

Formerly known as the Chartered Industries of Singapore, ST Engineering was founded in 1967 as an ammunition manufacturer.

Today, the group also provides engineering solutions for battlefield systems, ranging from naval systems to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs).

One of its newest technologies is the Taurus multi-role UGV, designed to operate beside larger infantry vehicles on logistics, evacuation, and surveillance missions.

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Installed at the Murai Urban Battle Circuit (MUBC), the new target systems include a 2D human target capable of quickly flipping up or turning around to simulate sudden engagement.

They also feature a mobile 3D human target that can move on four wheels at speeds reaching 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) per hour. It simulates enemy patrols and reinforcements.

Most importantly, the MUBC has been equipped with a configurable Virtual Avatar System that uses video characters to simulate enemies.

It can create complex scenarios, such as hostage situations and close combat, and responds based on the actions of training troops.

According to the army, the state-of-the-art target systems will help provide a realistic and immersive training experience to its soldiers.

‘Shoot-Back Systems’

All new target systems at the MUBC can produce heat signatures to allow troops to train with night-vision devices.

They will also feature “shoot-back” capabilities to fire at soldiers using lasers and be fired upon.

To maximize the immersive training experience, the systems will come with instrumented pyrotechnics to simulate artillery attacks and gunfire.

“The MUBC offers a smart and interactive way of training, with enhanced training realism and outcome,” Lieutenant Colonel Lim Zhifeng said. “Most importantly, it allows us to conduct our training safely.”

The first batch of troops is expected to begin training in April 2024.

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Displayed at the Singapore Air Show 2024, the “Taurus” four-wheel drive robotic vehicle features customizable modularity and mobility to address various military needs.

It is designed to support manned-unmanned teaming, as it can operate alongside the company’s eight-wheel drive Terrex s5 infantry fighting vehicle.

Some of the missions the Taurus can carry out include logistics transport, casualty evacuation, and surveillance in areas difficult to reach by conventional military vehicles.

It can also be fitted with a robotic arm for material handling.

According to the Singaporean tech firm, development of the robotic vehicle was completed last year, but it did not have a launch customer at the time.

Accompanying Drone

The Taurus has various configurations depending on how operators will use it.

It can also carry a four-legged robot to extend its field of surveillance, or be equipped with a generator set to extend the operating endurance.

ST Engineering said the surveillance configuration has attracted the most interest.

It features the DrN-15 drone, which has a flight endurance of up to 40 minutes and can fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight.

It also boasts obstacle detection and collision avoidance capabilities.

The drone has already received approval for flight by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

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Under the contract, the firm will provide a training platform qualifiable for the EU’s aviation safety standards, corresponding technical assistance, post-delivery support, and options for future upgrades.

The trainer will be used for aircrew flight proficiency as well as mission training in various light and environmental scenarios.

During flight preparations, instructors can review analytics through biometric sensors that collect data from the trainee.

Alongside tactical deployments, the technology will be used to train airmen for search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, disaster relief, and other humanitarian missions.

Indra wrote that Singapore’s upcoming H225M simulator will incorporate a roll-on/roll-off capability which enables seamless transition of other potential rotorcraft cockpits into the system.

“This delivery for the Republic of Singapore Air Force reinforces Indra’s position as one of the world’s leading simulator manufacturers and having delivered one of the most number of helicopter simulators,” Indra stated.

“Indra’s simulator will ensure safety during training, replicating realistic operational scenarios and complex maneuvers. It will simulate both day and night operations, under all possible challenging environmental conditions.”

Recent Simulator Projects

Indra started the delivery of the Pizarro infantry combat vehicle simulator across Spanish Army installations as part of a 2021 contract in May 2023.

Four months earlier, the company received $20.8 million to develop and supply an NH90 helicopter simulator for Madrid’s air and space forces.

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The company will update the ships’ marine and electrical systems, including their Ship Management System and Power Generation System, to extend their operational life.

The modernization will be applied progressively, with the first full upgrade scheduled to be completed by 2028.

ST Engineering’s upgrades are part of the Singaporean Ministry of Defence’s SAF2040 initiative, which envisions military modernization the country plans to complete by 2040.

The Formidable’s History

First commissioned in 2007, the frigate line has served as Singaporean Navy representatives on major multinational missions and exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific Exercise.

The Formidable-class frigates are known for having a relatively small radar cross-section, making them less detectable compared to other warships.

They are mainly utilized as key information technology capabilities for the Singapore Armed Forces’ Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control Network.

Outside of reconnaissance, the ships have also been deployed to combat piracy in Somali waters, and assisted in the search and rescue operations of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

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Fassmer’s craft will replace the navy’s four Sentinel-class maritime security and response vessels (MSRV), which have been in service since 1998.

The new ships will be based on OPVs operated by the German Federal Police, and will prioritize maneuverability for shore-based missions.

Delivery is set to begin by 2028.

Safety in Readiness

Singapore’s push for a more modernized naval force bolsters the country’s preventative approach to possible maritime threats, including piracy and hijacking.

Earlier this year, the Republic of Singapore Navy announced the acquisition of its first Invincible-class submarine.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong stressed the importance of the submarine due to Singapore’s reliance on a “free and unimpeded movement of goods and materials” for national growth.

Fassmer’s Track Record

Fassmer’s earlier OPVs, the German Federal Police’s Potsdam (BP81), Bamberg (BP82), and Bad Düben (BP83), will serve as the Singaporean craft’s blueprints.

The company has also designed, developed, and built OPVs for other maritime forces, including the Chilean Navy and the Colombian National Navy.

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