Weapon systems

The SPYDER system is the first 3rd Generation weapon system to be integrated into the enhanced Island Air Defence System. The network also enables our operators to see further, react faster, and for firing to be done much more precisely against air threats.

The SPYDER System is operated by a 6-man crew for rapid deployment and re-deployment. The system is equipped with 2 types of advanced missiles to provide comprehensive combat capability.

The Improved Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) missile is a low to medium altitude Surface-to-Air missile system. The system works on a semi-active homing guidance principle.

The Aster 30 Missile System is an all-weather, next generation Ground-Based Air Defence Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system that is the latest and an important addition to Singapore’s Air Defence Capability. The Aster 30, capable of engaging and intercepting a wide spectrum of air threats, will be integrated into the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s indigenously developed Island Air Defence (IAD) system to greatly enhance our ability to defend Singapore’s skies.

Capabilities of the Aster 30 Missile System

1. Anti-Aircraft and Anti-Missile Capability

The Aster 30 possesses enhanced air defence capabilities. It is a versatile GBAD system that is capable of engaging and intercepting a wide spectrum of air threats ranging from fighters, helicopters, UAVs to precision-guided munitions.

2. Enhanced Awareness and Responsiveness

The Aster 30 will be integrated into our indigenously developed IAD system where the sensors and shooters are tightly networked and commanders are supported by intelligent decision support systems to ably defend Singapore’s skies.

3. Increased Effectiveness

The Aster 30, capable of intercepting air threats up to 70km away, will provide the RSAF with an extended engagement envelope and enhance our IAD capabilities. Besides the ability to engage multiple air threats simultaneously, the Aster 30 is able to do so faster and from a longer distance, thus increasing the effectiveness in dealing with a wider spectrum of threats.

The RBS 70 is a man-portable, short-range air defence missile system. The missile system works on a laser beam riding principle. The RBS 70 air defence system is mounted on a V200A Armoured Fighting Vehicle (AFV) for higher mobility and can also be deployed in a dismounted configuration.

The Basic Giraffe is a short range search radar. Acting as a Low Level Control Centre, it provides early warning and target designation to all SHORAD systems. The radar is mounted on a 10-tonner, has a detection range of 40 km and a scan rate of 60 rpm.

The 3D radar provides low-level radar coverage to give the RSAF a better air situation picture with high fidelity and accuracy.

The MPSTAR (Mounted Portable Search and Target Acquisition Radar) is a two-dimensional radar that provides the air picture to the RBS 70 short-range air defence missile system and Air-Land Tactical Control Centres. The radar is equipped with Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Electronic Counter-Countermeasure (ECCM) features and can detect both Fixed Wing and Rotary Wing aircraft. The radar is mounted on a MB290 vehicle for higher mobility and can also be deployed in a dismounted configuration.

Introduction
Security agencies in Singapore need to continually guard against threats to Singapore's air and sea space. In recent years, our agencies have put in place robust surveillance and early warning systems to guard against aerial and maritime threats. However, these existing systems are facing increasing constraints, mainly due to the construction of taller buildings which prevent the systems from establishing a clear line of sight.

The aerostat that the SAF intends to deploy will be a tethered balloon system with 24/7 low-level radar coverage. It will be deployed sufficiently high enough so as to have a clear line of sight over Singapore's air and sea space, and will complement the SAF's suite of sensors to identify potential aerial and maritime threats early for timely and decisive response to safeguard Singapore's peace and security.

Aerostats have been used by different agencies in the world since the 1980s for functions such as early warning and radio re-broadcast. There have been significant developments in aerostats in the past decades, particularly in terms of reliability and safety. Norms and regulations have also been established to govern their safe operation. Currently, a number of security agencies, such as the US Customs and Border Protection Agency, use aerostats to meet their operational requirements.

Quick Facts about the Aerostat system

Safety Measures
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has put in place strong safety procedures that are in line with regulations developed by the US Federal Aviation Authority for the operations of the aerostat system. In addition, the RSAF has been working with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore to plan the safe operations of the system in Singapore's congested airspace, and safety procedures such as issuing Notice-to-Airmen to inform aviators of the aerostat's presence. Lightning protection certified to the Society of Automotive Engineer Aerospace Recommended Practice 5412A standards, operating procedures and emergency-handling procedures have also been put in place to ensure the safety of the aerostat system's operations. Preventive measures, such as proper training and regular maintenance, have also been established to minimise risk.

The radiation level emitted by the radar on board the aerostat is as safe as that of mobile phones, and has been certified in accordance with IEEE C95.1-2005 standards (i.e., that emissions are within safe limits to the population). This is the same standard applied to certify the safety of mobile phones, microwave ovens and MRI scanners.

The aerostat will be secured to the ground mooring station through winch lines and a tether built to withstand strong winds and lightning strikes. The tether is made of Kevlar, and is by far the strongest in its class.

The FPS 117 has a greater range, an enhanced detection capability and can give an object's bearing, height and range. Its reach of 250 nautical miles means that it covers an area of up to 11 times the size of Singapore lengthwise and 20 times widthwise. It sustains accuracy in a variety of conditions and is able to differentiate between fast and slow moving objects.

The Multi Mission Radar (MMR) is a 3D S-Band Mobile Radar that is part of Singapore’s enhanced Island Air Defence system. It complements the SAF’s suite of radars to provide early warning of potential air and ground threats for timely response.