Friday, December 1, 2017

Singapore's Defence Science & Technology Agency DSTA intriguing phrase hints of Iron Dome C-RAM



Check out this intriguing sentence:
"The island-wide Short-Range Anti-Munition Capability was operationalised within a networked system to enhance overall Island Air Defence capability." Extracted from the Message from Chief Executive DSTA, Mr Tan Peng Yam, DSTA FY 2016 Annual Report.

For the full DSTA report, click here. 😍

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5 comments:

Kenneth Kwok said...

Hmmm, how did the censors miss that. Also, island-wide? How many batteries will that take? If such a susyen exist, i would have thought it would just cover our air and naval bases.

David Boey said...

@Kenneth Kwok,
Open literature indicates a max reach of 70 km - more than sufficient to cover all compass points from the mainland.

While CE DSTA Tan Peng Yam's message requires you to join the dots, the implied key messages of capabilities built up in C-RAM, networked air defence coverage and the in-country defence science and engineering know-how to raise, train and sustain advanced weapon systems is nonetheless reassuring.

The message also acknowledges the tireless efforts of HQ RSAF and defence engineers, who have worked quietly behind the scenes, 24 by 365 in recent years, to operationalise the weapon system referred to. The RSAF air defence squadron may not have been openly lauded in the SAF Best Unit Competition, but it probably does not matter to those of you who know of the contributions, commitment and sacrifices of the men and women in this squadron who have worked hard to do their part to keep Singapore's air defence shield alert and ready.

This capability is not new. It is therefore encouraging to finally see official, albeit oblique reference of its existence.

In view of recent developments in North Asia in ballistic missile technology, this foothold is an important one should the RSAF be required to some day step up the tech ladder in anti-missile systems.

db

Locust said...

Dear David

I do not think the tamir missiles reach 70km. It is a short range missile with max range of about 7km to 10km. The 70km range comes into the picture because it can shoot down artillery shells and rockets/ missiles shot from 70km away. Recent upgrades to iron dome allows it to shoot down small uavs/ aircrafts and rockets/ missiles shot beyond 70km. Current development will allow iron dome to shoot down rockets/ missiles shot from 250km away - akan datang. :) anyone heard of iron beam? ;)

Locust said...

Srry David

Pls feel free to edit my previous post if necessary.

Also, I am guessing that the Aster 30s SAMP/T are already here and it is the Blk 1 NT version as it was delivered recently. The NT version confers greater range and capability to shoot SRBMs and MRBM with multiple warhead up to 1500 in range. In the future, we could even incorporate the Aster 30 Blk 2 which is similar to Thaad, if required.

Suffice it to say, a frontal air assault against Singapore is suicide (even without the RSAF planes) bar major powers with a lot of extra planes to spare. VShorads, c-ram missiles, shorads medium to long range missiles...

LRD said...

Based on multiple sources, Aster 30 B1NT development process is expected to be completed in 2023 and production will begin the following year. Hence it is unlikely RSAF is getting Aster 30 B1NT but Aster Blk1 with the capability to engage SRBM.