1980/02 - First divisional Air Defence System

RBS 70

Giraffe

1980

The RBS 70, a man-portable missile system, was acquired in 1983 to provide air defence cover for Army divisions.

The laser-guided RBS 70 missile system was purchased from British Aerospace in 1983 to primarily provide Army divisions with air defence cover against low-flying aircraft. This short-range, surface-to-air missile system had an effective range of 5km and could either be mounted on the V200 Armoured Fighting Vehicle or dismounted and man-packed for operations. Along with the Basic Giraffe radar, it was operated by 3, 6, and 9 Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalions.

Soldiers in helmets operate weapons on a V-200 armoured vehicle marked 6101 MID.

The RBS 70 was a man-portable missile system that could also be mounted on a V200 Armoured Fighting Vehicle.

Camouflaged V-200 armoured vehicle with crew operating mounted missile and machine gun.

The 3rd Battalion of the Singapore Air Defence Artillery was formed on 1 February 1980 to provide an air defence umbrella on the battlefield. It operated the RBS 70 and 20mm Oerlikon anti-aircraft Guns. It was also equipped with the Basic Giraffe radar to provide target designation and control to ground units. The unit also provided low-level air defence for strategic ground assets or installations in Singapore during periods of tension. It moved to its present home at Khatib Camp in June 1983.

Group of uniformed personnel pose outside a wooden cabin in winter clothing.

The RBS 70 test firing in Sweden made the news in May 1980.

Missile launches from a V-200 vehicle during live-fire training, with observers nearby.

The live firing was held at the Vidsel Test Range in Sweden in 1980.

Damaged drone aircraft marked “Target” lying on the ground after exercise.

In May 1995, 2LT Chew Choon How was the first to shoot down a target with a live warhead during a live firing.