Singapore’s defence technology sector is undergoing a transformation, with recent innovations setting new benchmarks in military training and strategic capabilities. The Defence Technology Prize, awarded annually by the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), recognised three teams for their groundbreaking contributions, highlighting Singapore’s commitment to advancing its defence infrastructure.
Among the recipients, the team behind Safti City—a cutting-edge urban training facility—stands out. Led by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in collaboration with the Singapore Army and ST Engineering, the project represents a significant leap in military preparedness. Since its first phase launch in March, over 8,000 soldiers have trained in the facility, which spans 88 hectares and is designed to simulate urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations.
“From an engineering perspective, Safti City is one of the most unique training facilities in the world,” said Beatrice Kwan Li Min, Senior Programme Manager at DSTA and team leader. The facility’s standout feature is its adaptability, with swing panels that can reconfigure road networks to create diverse mission scenarios. Additionally, Safti City incorporates robotic targets equipped with laser technology and computer vision, allowing soldiers to engage in realistic combat simulations. The facility also includes a simulated transport hub, complete with decommissioned trains and underground-like design elements, further enhancing its realism.
The Advanced Analysis Team, comprising members from DSTA and DSO National Laboratories, also received the engineering award. Their work focuses on leveraging commercial technologies to analyse vast amounts of data from varied sources, enabling faster and more informed decision-making. Team leader Elsie Toh Choon Keow explained that the team developed advanced graph analytics to connect disparate data points, a critical capability in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.
The third award went to the Guided Systems Technology team from DSO National Laboratories. Their research and development efforts have focused on designing complex systems, simulating component interactions, and validating models with live data. The team’s precision engineering and advanced manufacturing methods have led to the prototyping of high-performance designs for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing emphasised the importance of long-term capability development, noting that Singapore must adapt to changing geopolitics, warfare dynamics, and societal aspirations. He highlighted the need to rebalance efforts between traditional warfighting capabilities and “gray zone operations”—the area between peace and war. This shift underscores the necessity of investing in talent, resources, and technology to address the full spectrum of modern security challenges.
The recognition of these teams underscores Singapore’s strategic vision in defence technology. As global threats evolve, the nation’s focus on innovation and adaptability will be crucial in maintaining its military edge. The advancements represented by Safti City, the Advanced Analysis Team, and the Guided Systems Technology team not only enhance Singapore’s defence capabilities but also set a precedent for future developments in the sector.