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New Urban Warfare Training Ground Enhances SAF’s Readiness

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officially launched SAFTI City Phase 1 today at the SAFTI Training Area, marking a major milestone in the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) modernization efforts. Designed as a high-tech urban training facility, SAFTI City will enhance the SAF’s ability to conduct operations in built-up areas, including homeland security, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief missions.

SAFTI City is equipped with cutting-edge technology to replicate real-world urban warfare environments. The facility includes low and high-rise buildings, interconnected structures, subterranean tunnels, and an Integrated Transport Hub with features such as MRT platforms, a bus interchange, and an office building. These elements closely resemble Singapore’s urban landscape, ensuring that training is as realistic as possible.

Advanced battlefield technologies—including drones, robotics, and smart instrumentation—will allow SAF soldiers to train with modern warfare tactics. “Urban operations will increasingly play a role in any military,” said Dr Ng. “Fighting in urban built-up areas in SAFTI City is a physical manifestation of that commitment to giving realism to our soldiers so that they are prepared.”

SAFTI City is designed to be a high-tech, data-driven training ground. The facility is equipped with approximately 11,000 sensors, which track soldiers’ movements, tactical combat actions, and decision-making in real-time. Trainers can monitor troop locations, deploy interactive targets, and simulate battlefield effects to create dynamic combat scenarios. This technology enables detailed post-training analysis, helping soldiers and commanders review performance and improve tactics.

Dr Ng commended the five-year effort by SAF planners in developing SAFTI City, calling it a “significant asset” for Singapore’s defence. “This investment in this training facility will last for a generation and beyond,” he said. The ability to simulate complex urban combat ensures that SAF soldiers are fully prepared for the evolving security threats Singapore faces.

Dr Ng was accompanied by Chief of Army Major-General David Neo, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) of Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Mr Roy Chan, and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Army, and DSTA. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts between defence agencies in ensuring SAF’s operational readiness.

With the launch of SAFTI City, the SAF takes a major step forward in strengthening its urban warfare capabilities, ensuring that its soldiers are well-equipped to face the challenges of modern battlefields.

Source – MINDEF