Is Singapore's Military Force a Superpower? 

Singapore has established itself as one of the world's most heavily militarized nations. What justifies this strategic choice? Let us know down below!

This video left out our most potent weapon. A secret special ops unit, made up of our sergeant's grandmothers. Nobody has yet been able to run faster than them...

I've trained with Singaporean forces for many years now, and although most of them are young conscripts, they are highly proficient and professional. Respect from the US Marine Corp!

As a conscript, I was not very disciplined nor motivated. Moreover, my Sergeant’s grandmother can run faster than me. But I can do 12 pull ups.

Even China cannot force singapore to take sides👏👏👏 Indeed, a very super power

I am a patriot. If there is a war, I am ready to protect my country Singapore. I am 61 this year. I was in the Army as a conscript and serve as a reservist till I was 40 years old. If you give me an M16, I can remember exactly how to fire and strip the rifle. My parents remembered the Japanese occupation of Singapore. There was no mercy from the Japanese soldiers. I am ready to defend my beloved country.

Love Singapore from Indonesia

Singapore's Strategy is diplomacy and deterrence. Although one can argue is the military capability really as good as on paper. Making powerful allies and having big guns does make some to think twice before engaging.

Absolutely great system in place. I served my 2 years and I can say even more than the contribution to my country and developing my sense of self in the nation, NS made me a better person. I took better responsibility, completed tasks with better foresight and got a lot more disciplined in whatever i undertook.

Obviously the realities of life necessitate a defence force for any nation on this planet. But we know foremost that a peaceful, friendly and united ASEAN is where all countries can truly grow and prosper together.

Proud to be a regular soldier in 2nd SIR REGIMENT in 1966. First batch sent to SAFTI too. Believed we are a deterrent force. I salute

The younger generation of 2000 probably hasn’t thru the trouble times esp in Dr Mahathir time as MY PM. He had not once but in numerous times threatened to cut water supply despite a standing water agreement. If we have not had a credible SAF, he might have just turn off the supply at his will. A strong armed forces doesn’t mean that it have be baptised in a war or seen conflicts, the numerous times where SAF responded to HADR speaks volume of its readiness. In facing a bigger adversary, the better equipped, better trained n a willing heart to stand for its survival will prevail. Therefore, armed to the teeth but stay humbled. Cheers

Fun Fact: What is rarely mentioned is regarding the airplane hostage rescue and also Singapore's major humanitarian role e.g. in Iraq and Afghanistan where they sent combat medics to treat civilians and combat engineers to rebuild homes, sending troops to Malaysia to set up portable water pumps during Kedah Floods etc

Singapore is accepted as a unique country. Thanks to LKY. Many will not want to see Singapore fall because this country represents the soul of many country's belief. So even small, even with limited resources in every aspects, others will be in spirit with Singapore to fight any adversary.

in times of a country defense, it all comes down to what does it mean to fight, and what worth is it to fight for...if enough soldiers find it worthy to sacrifice oneself for the country's cause...then the country has a chance..the morale of the soldiers plays a major part, as seen in the recent russia/ukraine war.

Had the opportunity to served side by side with them before. Yes, they are a small nation in terms of size alone. In terms of hardware and assets they have one of the most advanced land, sea and air capabilities out there. Some are designed and built within their own defense industry. Their tier ones troops are also highly trained. One that I saw had already gone to SEALs school, SF school and Ranger! Yet, still looked like he was in his mid 20s! So, I won't bet against them if SHTF when the time comes. Your information in this video is good. All the best and much respected.

Without a strong military, you will be regularly threatened and be forced to do other's bidding. But to ask whether Singapore military force is a "Superpower" is stretching the imagination a little bit too far though. LOL! It does pack enough punch to deter, but nowhere near superpower.

We are definitely not a military superpower and we don't envision ourselves as one. I am ok with letting those ignorant foreigners who I presume to be kids talk us down. We can appear weak to them, but we will surely show up if any catastrophic events happen to Singapore.

No. SAF is not so tough and strong as a superpower per the speaker. It was basically a defence force with conscripts making up the bulk of manpower. SAF doesnot pose a threat but served as a deterence and lots of our political leverage is based on diplomacy and openly non-alliance with any superpower be it China or USA.

During independent Taiwan also help Singapore building up their military they even invite Singapore army to Taiwan to practice

There's a reason why so many military trade shows are organized in Singapore and not in other countries in the region.

Singapore is grateful to the FPDA arrangement and was allowed to invest USD1 billion in building a state-of-the-art training facilities in Shoalwaters Bay, Queensland, permitting the use of the ground for 3 months in a year. The size of the training ground is arguably 4 times the land mass of the tiny island' allowing commanders to plan and troops executing movements and testing combined arms doctrines. In addition, Aussies troops can exercise with Singapore Armed Forces troops in joint exercises, pilots can participate in Exercise Pitch Black and have close encounters with the F-35s which the RAAF operates in recent times. This enabled the Singapore Armed Forces to assess the various capabilities and maintenance issues of the aircraft. Also, the Air Force was able to test its the recently acquired MTTR Air Refuelling capability with the F-35s to ensure smooth inter-operability. The tiny island has placed an order for 8 F-35Bs. A typical Singapore commander when facing with foreign delegates in overseas exercises has a Masters degree in a US Ivy League or UK university (Cambridge/Oxford). They would have no difficulties in articulating themselves and expressing their views in military affairs or their area of expertise. They are required to think on their feet and come up with comprehensive operational plans that are suited for the context. Many have won accolades in foreign military academies as being top in their classes in academic studies or strategic thinking over the years. When they retired from the military in their mid-forties, some have been talented spotted to become politicians of the ruling party. Military personnel are well paid, their salaries are constantly adjusted to reflect market rates above civilian pay scale and have excellent career progression with many overseas learning opportunities. In closing, the Singapore Armed Forces does not rest on its laurel. She is perpetually learning new things, evaluating its performances to troubleshoot operational failures and weakness, benchmarking against the best and thinking how to be better and be ready for the just-in-case worst scenario.

Superpower is a little bit of an overstatement. But I would say, Singapore is a regional power. Capable of taking on any ASEAN nation alone is more than enough.

Let's not go overboard here. Singapore is NOT a military superpower. They're a regional power and they have to be for survival being a tiny city state next to massive Indonesia and Malaysia.

We should never be over confident. War is constantly changing.

“Poison shrimp” tactic is to make it so invading Singapore is going to cost you heavy losses such that it’s not worth invading in the first place, hence the powerful military

Respect Singapore from Israel🇮🇱🫱🏽‍🫲🏼🇸🇬

i served in the Singapore Armed Forces for my national service.... i find this video mildly suspicious . we are high tech ? " OK GENNERMEN PRETEND AH INFRONT OF YOU IS ENEMY FORCES, BANG BANG BANG BANG "

Served in the Singapore military. It's superpower is being super mismanaged.

I think you missed out Singapore's F35s. But that's OK, they're not fully operational yet. I'm glad you picked up the point that numbers alone don't tell the story. If you look at Singapore's cleanliness and architecture you will understand the mentality. The rigorous pursuit of excellence over time. I am retired even from the reservist force in Singapore. But if my nation needs me, I'll not shirk from fighting to defend Singapore.

No country wants war. SG's military is basically deterence. But it makes potential enemies think twice b4 any form of military action.

Superpower status is assigned to those nations capable of projecting force on the global scale. Singapore is a regional power due to its economic clout and military force only.

Pretty sure this video was generated by ChatGPT.

This depiction isn’t very accurate.. honestly the majority of SG’s male conscripts do the very bare minimum to complete their conscription but aren’t going to put their lives down or at risk if there’s a real conflict. Also, they are not the fittest bunch. The only reason why things still move is because the govt threatens its conscripts with all sorts of punitive action for even the smallest digression (nothing new for a country where the govt is uptight (as a result of its founding fathers and subsequent successors who were egoistic and obsessed with trying to prove themselves and show their power), sees its people as little kids, shows little to no respect for its citizenry, and enjoys threatening with punishment for just about everything). How do they expect conscripts to be motivated, loyal and give their all if 2yrs of their lives (and subsequent years of reservist time) are stolen from them on such sexist grounds and they are paid peanuts into exploited forced labor, while watching their female and foreign peers enjoy a free ride everyday and take their good jobs away? It’s no wonder why many SG men are struggling in silence and depressed when they understand that they are at a loss. Also, the entire conscription experience is inefficient where conscripts are asked to rush but only to end up waiting and idling around for hours.. a lot of inefficient use of everyone’s time, doing tasks without a genuine basis but rather to merely follow instructions in order to avoid punishment, and so on.. all of which adds, and does not make SG’s conscripts (and therefore its defense resources) the most effective or efficient in the region.

4:48 they should do national service for women too. I'm a Singaporean , i went into the army like a aimless & useless child and came out a responsible, hard working man. Seeing my daughters' attitude and responsibility i really hope they can go into the army and be trained mentally and physically

The whole island transformed into Gundam ....with blazing swords

If there is a conflict, Singapore must win decisively and quickly to overcome two problems 1) It's too fragile, too concentrated a target and economically vulnerable. 2) Its population has no demonstrated history of fighting a war. Will to fight is questionable. There is no willingness to die for country. Bottomline. Singapore MUST have a strong ally.

as someone in a combat unit who’s gonna ORD in a month, i can tell you the SAF from an outsider’s perspective is viewed through rose-tinted glasses. you’ll experience many different types of people, including difficult ones and training sometimes seems inefficient and drawn out. you’ll get commanders who’ll yell at you for no reason and boss you around while you run like a dog trying to get shit done.. i’d say it was not all that pleasant but i’m glad i had people i could depend on around me. i wouldn’t think i would have survived without them.

We're a peaceful, tolerant and multi-racial nation, always trying to mind our own business. If push into a corner, we'll not hesitate to fight back. But we hope that will never happened and we can continue to live in peace and prosper together with our neighbours.

One important point that did not get mentioned is it's transparency in the government. The Corruption Perceptions Index has SG ranked in the top tier without which we would be most ineffective in national defence. Another factor is it's high standards, thanks to the Israeli doctrine in our formative years.

In an actual war, it is about who cockup less (make less mistake) who win.

The greatest victory is to avoid a conflict, so said Sun Zi. Those parade of our military hardware during our yearly National Day parade tells potential aggressors we would inflict significant collateral damages should there be a need to go to war.

0:45 Interesting background. It looks very similar to the rising sun flag Japan used during the Second World War. A war where Japan occupied Singapore after defeating the British army stationed here

UK leaving in 71, didn't leave Singapore without foriegn help. A New Zealand Army Battalion and associated units were stationed in Singapore right up until 1989.

'Mandatory conscription policy ensures a steady stream of capable and motivated soldiers'. Im sure most people would have something to say about that!

we are a defense force. Nothing more ASEAN strife to be a peaceful region

At 4:49 it states "second-generation Permanent Residents" are required to serve National Service (NS). This is actually a local misconception that I'm surprised was picked up by a foreign video. In actuality the Enlistment Act (the law from which our conscription is derived) is quite broad (as with most Singaporean law). So all Singaporean Citizens and Permanent Residents males are liable for National Service. However, there are certain factors that may preclude Permanent Residents from enlistment. One of the factors is the scheme under which an individual is granted Permanent Residency, there're two schemes under which PRs are mainly exempted from NS (note that this is "mainly", meaning by default that those who fall under these schemes still have National Service obligations, just that they are granted exemption. Meaning at any moment before age 40, the law still grants the government powers to enlist them). These 2 schemes pertains to attracting professionals and investors to move to Singapore to bolster our economy and industry. Which is why NS is usually waived for them, as having to fulfil NS obligation would be a disincentive for them to move here. However, their children would be granted Permanent Residency under a separate scheme (namely under their parents' sponsorship). As such, being a different scheme, there would not be NS exemption for the children. Hence, there is this misunderstanding that only Second Generation PR needs to serve, but it is not necessarily the case, as there may be first generation Permanent Residents that does not fall under these 2 schemes. In fact one of the officers in my reservist unit is a first generation Permanent Resident. But he is not granted exemption from NS because he was granted his Permanent Residency as a student. Additionally, Permanent Residents who still wish to serve may also enlist in the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corp, or Home Team Volunteer Corp. In Singapore our home front agencies (Police, Fire and Emergency services) are collectively referred to as the Home Team, and conscripts may be posted there as well.

The real situation comes when our readiness is tested on all fronts. Also to fight n defend ourselves in an unpopular war or be part of a bigger force under a bigger power, whose Agenda we may not agree to.. May it not come that we have to decide, do or die..

Singaporean mustn’t participate in this kind of online forum. Just let the foreigners talk all they want.

As usual. Lots of military experts and generals in the comment section.

i am a proud singaporean

The fighting will of the soldiers depends on how much he has to protect his love ones.

They have a million conscripts & reservists at one point. Falling birth rates is a concern & the SAF has to adapt with technological advanced hardware & software.

Couldn't help but think of the red and white animation at 00:45 remind me of imperial japan...

I am a Singaporean and I would consider us as highly competent multirole military forces. Are we superpower, of course not because we lacked large scale force projection. But that is not what we wish to be. We are striving to be useful in times of natural disaster in the region and potent enough to deter potential aggressor from considering the option of war. However, if a war with our Neighbours must take place for whatever unfortunate reasons, it is unlikely for us to maintain a long campaign. The conflict will be short with Singapore taking heavy damage in the opening day as we absorb large number of bombardments that slipped through our AA dome. We might be able to minimize losses if we have excellent intel network predicting the incoming war, enabling us to preemptively strike possible missles launch sites and citizen to seek shelters. Many argued that Singapore military lacks real experience and many are becoming soft, yes this is true, for us and for our Neighbours. As to how the war will be won or lost, its not straight forward because geopolitics often makes win condition something very difficult to define.

Mr lee kuan yew founding father of Singapore witness the world war 2 II seeing his fellow Chinese man executed was enough to instill in him u cannot have what u can't protect...

It boils down to LKY’s vision for Singapore, to be “a poisoned shrimp”. 😊

Although Singapore's Military have many latest weapons from the US. It is not a super power. It is purely for self-defense. The size of the military are too small to be a super power. The military is not even in the top 20 military power list.

You lost me at 3:30 when you put "conscription" and "motivated" in the same sentence rofl

Can defence, cannot fight..

Before we talk about military strength, firstly we must decide where is the battlefield in context of Singapore if there is any aggression.

I always love it when comes to these type of topics about singapore economic and military and there will be bound to have another jealous person from other country that just says things without sense like one nuke and singapore is gone etc when the question is do the neighboring country even capable to even fly into our atmosphere or have working technology to fire a nuke? (I think their nuke fire a few centimeter and kena their own land) Most important do they even possess a nuke ? 😂

Singapore's foreign policy is to be friend to all, and enemy to none. That is what we strive to do, in order to ensure war does not come to our shores. Take Malaysia's previously frequent threat of shutting off water to Singapore. They threatened and threatened, and whenever there is a intractible disagreement with SG, Malaysia, will play their Water trump card. We do not want to go to war with Malaysia over trivial matters, or even over critical resources like Water. So we solved the water problem with desalination, recycled water, and turning the whole island into a water catchment area. Now Malaysia can continue to threaten to cut off the water (because you can't teach old dogs new tricks). But the truth is every now and then Johor asks Singapore to provide them with treated water. So we act to reduce points of contention. We foster good, friendly, amicable diplomatic relationships. But while we walk softly, we make sure we have a big stick. A debate over whether Singapore is the strongest militarily in the region is an argument for children. Singapore does not have a strong military to beat anyone. That is not the purpose. The point of a strong military is to ensure that any possible belligerents will think twice or even thrice about about starting something with Singapore. The point is to ensure that would-be belligerents would realise that it will be a painful experience, even if they eventually win... But the purpose of the SAF/RSAF/RSN training is to increase the credibility of our military. So that we do not have the reputation of being a "paper tiger". It is interesting to read reports of our military in joint exercises with other militaries. SG officers have the reputation of being the most prepared - they study the scenarios, memorise the critical points, and understand the victory and loss conditions. Basically, they "cram" for the exercise. Another thing not mentioned is that many of our politicians in power were almost directly "recruited" from the military. And even those who were not directly recruited from the Military would have held some rank in the Military because of NS. This is important because in the event of a war, our leaders will understand military doctrine and necessity. As compared to generals in other countries who would have to report to civilians who have no military background.

Superpower is a hyperbole There are countries out there like south korea and israel who have equally modernised militaries, mandatory conscription and those countries wouldn't really be called superpowers either.

Singaporean military motivation: - Malaysia

Will Singapore invade Johor?

Not all Singaporeans. Only Singaporean men are conscripted. Females enjoy free ridership while complaining about gender inequality when it doesn't serve to their favour.

Yes, Singapura adalah negara kecil yg Paling canggih militernya di Asean dan kemampuan logistik yg mumpuni. Taktik mereka adalah sarang lebah. Silahkan serang mereka jika ingin dirimu hancur bahkan mati tersengat. Trust me as a fansboy formil from kaskus.

This is a joke. 'Belies' was pronounced as 'bellies'. 'Meritocratic' was pronounced as 'Meteoric'. The saddest part of this joke is that BOTH 'Belies' and 'Meritocratic' made far more sense suggesting this was straight up taking from state sources in SG, or more likely just taken from ChatGPT who would have consulted such state sources and put things together with words they might've likely used (like meritocratic).

Ah...he didn't mention the fact there are few hundred thousand active reservist that can be activated in a moment's call.

In my fictional world, Malaysia Surpasses Singapore in every area

Yes Singapore military definitely a superpower - with all their 10+ carrier battlegroups, 50+ nuclear submarines, 5000+ nuclear warheads and 1million+ trained soldiers... the world better watch out.

Vague, sweeping statements with scant detail on the peculiar geostrategic and political landscape of the country at hand. Should've been clearer on how history affected defence policy. Also vague on what do the mentioned weapon systems actually do. Needs to qualify statements. Clear this was done by researching the topic at arms length without collaboration with folks with first hand knowledge about Singapore.

No matter how strong sg like to claim about ourselves deep down most of us know we have tons of weakness .... just block all trade route sg is will surrendering sooner then you think

Is that a subtle jab at the Japanese invasion that made Singapore think that it needs its own military to defend itself? That's the Japanese war flag right there 0:46

Singapore had tough times trying to survive

Business yes, military no.

I can say Singapore is Superpower in SEA region. When the war broke out between Singapore and Indonesia for example, Singapore can easily gain air supremacy over Sumatera. Not only equipped with advance weapons, Singapore is the western ally while Indonesia with their so called neutral policy will fight alone.

2:14 'Singapore military comprises', not 'compromise'.

i heard their training was so tough to ensure the highest standard that people dying during training happens every now and then

Fun fact - Singapore HDBs public housing apartment units have bomb shelters built in.

Anyone with a sensible mind won't invade a country militarily in this day and age especially for a small country like SG. And besides, we r sort of invaded alr where more than 50 percent of the population are foreigners . Taking the locals jobs and most are executives and ceos of SG companies. No need for military invasion.

The citizen-soldiers are not motivated, since they are conscripted. Unlike the volunteer American military, many of us try to avoid the rigors of service where feasible. Many far prefer easy jobs like clerks and try to fake their way in through the medical check-ups pre-service

Why don't our tiny island concentration on leaser or microwave weapon?

Communism is a system where production and capital is owned by the people, whereas capitalism is a system where that is owned by a select few people. Communism itself isn't a threat. The main problem is that the only attempts at communism have been by totalitarian leaders. They didn't make it so that production and capital were owned by the people, but instead by the state. They used and abused the pretext of communism to oppress the people and stay in power. Singapore is rather unique. They take the oppressive inequality of capitalism, and combine that with an effective dictatorship. On paper their a democracy, but in reality it is a very shady democracy. It's similar to Russia and Belarus in that way. Anyway, communism isn't a threat. Totalitarianism under the promise of communism is a threat.

They lack combat experience... but (try to) make up for it in tech and firepower and proficiency. Obviously first threat is Malaysia and they should be able to stand against that. Other larger military powers I dare not say

Simple answer! If Singapore's military are not capable, we would have already been taken over by some other countries. And i wont be enjoying the freedom my Red Passport brings me. Only time will tell, but so far in the past 50 over years this is how far we have came. Also thankful and grateful to our Allies that stand by us in peacetime and hopefully during wartime as well. God bless everyone

This is what I like about singapore💪🇲🇨🇸🇬

Wait what? We have F15s? Didn't know that LOL!

During the 'detour' of MH370, Singapore's AWAC did not detect any anomaly of this plane's flight path??? And if it did, was Malaysian Air Force alerted by Singapore military??? Or a Kia Su factor at play??? For this, I won't even consider an 'aye' for Singapore's Military Force. Nil if an air invasion comes from the Red North!!!

Yes, Singapore the Wakanda of Asia.

Hah hah! In theory, and measured by spending it may be quite formidable.

Just one issue I see: multiculturalism does not breed unity, it does the exact opposite. Singapore's dictatorial enforcement of mixing and blending in society has brought people together in the same way gulag prisoners are brought together. Do not credit "multiculturalism" with the unity of their military.

I did my mandatory conscription in one of the top units and from my training regime, equipment and experience, I can guarantee you we are not winning any war if we get invaded.

Its not fair that military service is mandatory,but only because Singapore needs more soldiers 😢.😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢.

Super expensive i agree

Bro made this video reading Straits Times

Singapore is mighty like Israel, More emphasis should be on Drone defence as the war theatre is changing, unman drones is the most power weapons now has seen in recent Ukraine, Russia and Iran.

Limited natural resources and geographic constraints (e.g., dependent on Malaysian water) cannot make it a super power. Doesn't manufacture any meaningful military equipments.

The size of the forces would be many times larger if you consider the figures of reservist and retired reservists.