This Tiny Island Is the Most Densely Defended Country in the World | WSJ 

Buy this man a decent microphone WSJ

One of the very few rare videos that actually uses 100% actual footage of Singapore (not stock footage or substitute footage). For this reason, this is worth a watch.

"Audio Quality Is Terrible" - Sun Tzu

The WSJ had to post this so US senators can learn where Singapore is

As a Singaporean, I thought that there was an important historical story that the video missed out - SG gained independence from the British post WWII in large part because the British wasnt able to defend the tiny territory. Prior to that the British were confident that SG wouldnt fall, but it embarrassingly surrenderred within days and the British bailed. The leaders post independence lived through those times and recognised the importance to be self sufficient. As we were taught in schools and in national service, no one owes us a living.

singapore one of the most advanced countries in world, did not deserve this audio quality

As a Singaporean, thanks for covering this story but also, what an amazing microphone you have there. Is this what listening in 240p sounds like?

For the Singaporeans watching, yes there were some info that might be wrong and not updated but that’s a good thing because it helps our operational security :)

embarrassing audio quality

Is this what a fish hears

2:00 that maneuver was sick

I remember being in Singapore in 2007. We were attending a meeting at our office next to the Marina. Suddenly we heard a big explosion and we went to the window to see what was happening. Then we saw an explosion in the bay and a helicopter flying low with troops jumping out of the back and into the water below. Had we just witnessed a terrorist attack? An opening salvo from a foreign enemy? Nope. The next thing we saw was another helicopter dragging a huge Singapore flag behind it. The whole thing was a dress rehearsal for the upcoming national day.

They're literally next to one of the most important shipping channels on this planet. It makes sense to be extremely defended. Alternatively just look at what's going on in Strait of Hormuz rn

tell this man about not standing in bike lanes

"Happy is that city which in time of peace thinks of war." -Venice and Singapore's motto

I live in the southern area of Malaysia where I got to enjoy Singaporean TV. I was always puzzled by the flashing words on top of the screen. This videos explains one of the greatest mysteries of my childhood.

Next news story: WSJ makes their journos record the audio for their videos with an iPhone 3 underwater. Can't believe I made it to 47 seconds.

Some of the content is wrong. 1. It is no longer a poisonous shrimp strategy. It has since evolved to the Dolphin 2. Seletar airport is not an airbase. It’s a private airport for private jets. You’re missing changi airbase.

Completely neglects to mention Singapore's tense history with it's neighbors who have threatened to invade or cut water supplies multiple times since it's independent in 1965

Singapore has been very quiet about their military asset. Their submarine fleet is the best in SEA, perfectly suited for coastal defense.

Singapore has been pretty much at this level of capability and readiness for decades, even longer, I think. We had training exercises with their Air Force back in the 80's when was stationed in the Philippines at Clark AB. Even saw their combat aircraft and C-130's at Osan AB when stationed there in the later 80's. Small in stature, but not in power.

i thought my sound bar is broken

A strong defence helps to protect investors and citizens from harm. Investing in defence is like investing in health and life insurance. It helps everyone to develop and prosper peacefully.

It's clear to see in the historical record what happens to small nations that don't maintain healthy civic defense.

Thanks to all my NS men. You’re doing great in protecting the country 🥰

Surprise. A strong military is required for a strong economy.

I went to school in Singapore in the '60's. I lived in Kluang, Johore. My late Dad, had nothing but admiration for Singapore. I admit, even all these years later and in full knowledge that the SIngapore I grew to love is long gone, I still have a soft spot for the Island(s) and have yet to meet a Singaporean who I have not liked as a person.

Much love from Australia, dear Singapore!

I have visited Singapore multiple times in the 70s and 80s, and loved it. Although much has changed since then, it is still a model gif other nations to follow. I had an opportunity to work with their navy, and they were all highly professional. It should also be noted that they have developed weapons of their own, such as the Ultimax 100 light machine gun. It is one of the lightest possibly in the world, and is in use by a number of other countries.

Those airobatics were insane. Had to do a retake in slow motion to see how those jets didn't collide in the air.

Proud to be a sgrean

Was stationed on USS LaSalle when we went thru a fuel conversion from black oil to Kerosene in 1973. Cleanest, safest place ever been to, now 70yrs old. From what I saw then to what read/watch now, their military is no joke, they take their freedon seriously

Continue to grow and prosper Singapore 🇮🇩🤜🤛🇸🇬

Singapore has two air force training bases in Australia.

Respect to Singapore from Canada!

The audio quality of the narration is quite poor

Thank you for a great summarization and comparison of Singapore.

Correction: Singapore will not be operating 8 submarines concurrently, as your article falsely states. The four Invincible-class boats will replace the last two Challenger-class submarines, originally launched in 1967 in Sweden, and the two Archer-class, which were also built for the RSwN and launched in 1986-1987.

As a Singaporean, I can agree that: Singapore is very small indeed Singapore's military is quite powerful something most people think about Singapore is that it is a country similar to North korea. That is false, in fact life here is perfectly normal and the opportunities the country gives us is very good and not biased

One of our neighbors (Indonesia) disapproved of our independence in 1965 so much that they regularly sent suicide bombers to target civilian or state buildings. The Macdonald house bombing was a famous case where they bombed a civilian building. We caught and then hung the bombers in public view and sent the corpses back to Indonesia. Other than that they would also position their missiles just a few kilometers offshore to point at our downtown. Another one of our neighbors (Malaysia) who we were heavily reliant on for water and food imports for most of our history, regularly threatened to "turn off the tap" and would sabotage our food supply. These two would work together and stage a military operation they called "Total Wipeout" (Pukul Habis) a mere 20 km from our borders. They would also routinely invade our airspace and do flyovers during culturally significant dates like Independence Day. Because of these two gems we call neighbors, we're the most densely defended country in the world. Although nowadays they aren't as wild as they were in the past, Singapore would never allow themselves to be at their mercy.

Very informative videos for knowing how wide spread of the awareness of the future conflict, which may/may not happen. And the audio is clear and good. 👍

lee kuan yew is my favorite leader I wish Africa had one leader like him. It’s very embarrassing how a tiny country Singapore with little resources became a first world country. Most of Africa countries got their independence the same as Singapore and they are still lagging behind. We Africans like to blame a white men

I had the great opportunity to visit Singapore twice in the 80’s when I served in the US Navy. I was on a nuclear powered carrier that was welcomed with open arms. Singapore was a beautiful island and great just to walk around. I’m saddened that they are forced to extreme measures to protect themselves…but Switzerland has had a similar reality for centuries. Thanks for the video.

majulah singapura ❤

Way to go small nation.💪Stay strong.

Lockheed, Boeing, Raytheon thank Singapore for their business.

Long live Singapore. Love this little city.

I am proud of SG Govt and Our Country Majulah Singapura.🇸🇬👍

Seletar Airport is civilian. The 4th air base is in Changi

Good for them. I like seeing small nations succeed and own their situation.

I always really liked Singapore’s military. It’s small compared to the other major or even regional sized militaries around the world but it is one of the most advanced and they have some of the best training of any nation in the entire region.

Wsj not lending him a decent mic 😅

if we don't defend ourselves, who would?

I was in the US Air Force between 2000 and 2006. After my tech school, my first duty station was Canon AFB in Clovis New Mexico. At that time it was home of the 21st Fighter Wing which not only contain 3 F-16 Squadrons but also a Squadron of F-16s piloted by Singapore pilots and serviced by Singapore personnel. They lived on the base with us and were our comrades. They were awesome people and penultimate professionals during exercises and even real-world scenarios. I was stationed there as an Air Traffic Controller, only 20 years old, and with only 2 stripes on my sleeve when September 11, 2001 occurred... If a war in South East Asia occurs we can count on Singapore to be a friend and ally.

Singapore is one of the only few counties I’m impressed with

SINGAPORE MENTIONED 🔥🔥🔥

More about Singapore. I knew it was an important trade post and a very important, strategic location. Hoping to learn more. You got a subscriber here WSJ, all the way from Norway. 🙂

I've been to Singapore. I love that place.

Maker and model of your microphone please? I’d like myself some early 90’s sound quality when feeling nostalgic.

Get him this man a good microphone petition.

Us warships are refurbished in Singapore and us carrier groups often patrol nearby. Singaporean pilots train at Luke Airforce base right nearby my phoenix home

2023: Singapore GDP: US$ 497 Billion Malaysia GDP: US$ 430 Billion

Better to be a warrior in a graden than a gardener in a war

This is interesting gives me confidence

Hopefully we Malaysia can forever maintain peaceful and friendly relations with all our neighbor.

Excellent work, packed with instructive content for eg “we don’t need a military“ peaceniks here in Japan and elsewhere. The comments fretting about the microphone quality ignore that we are perhaps drifting towards a shooting war in Asia (too)

Is that the best microphone WSJ has to offer?

Definitely can't fault Singapore for their defense policies

I lived in singapore for 7 years and there are military bases almost on every street (exaggerating),i never realized how militarized it is until i left

wow informative

Being prepared for any eventualities is crucial.

Greetings and best wishes to Singapore from Ireland. You are an example and inspiration for us to follow, Irish Defence Forces need to start following this kind of plan. Well done to Singapore for achieving such military success.

Respect to Singapore. And no i don't hear any noticeable issues with the audio.

I'm enlisting in the Singapore Army this year, no idea if this video was recommended to me on purpose

Peace requires a well-armed and proficient military. Just ask Switzerland.

What's with the complaints about the audio. Sound fine to me or maybe they have rectified it.

Lee Kuan Yew made Singapore happen while Mahatir made Malaysians wonder what happened.

Militaries are not ranked by funds alone... But by the ability to adapt and to persevere upon a cause that is actually sustainable!

Britain thought "fortress Singapore" was unconquerable, and it ended up being their biggest defeat of the war.

One of the interesting things about Singapore’s military history is the involvement of the Israel Defense Forces in the setting up of the Singapore Armed Forces. To this day the two countries have extremely close military ties.

crazy that singapore has more tanks than the UK

Small and probably in the most strategic spot in the world.

Military prowess helps business negotiations too. tiny + rich + no natural resources = delicious to invade + easy to bully this strength grants them international stability, drawing investors, and granting us a bigger presence in diplomatic outreach.

Team Singapore 🇸🇬

amazing!!!

Love the set up. Their defence strategy is the best deterrent. They live the FAFO philosophy.

A fascinating, important and informative video! I cannot wait to visit this amazing country! PS - I had no audio issues whatsoever!!

you gotta respect the steps they are taking.

Singapore is very impressive place. I wish I get to go there one day.

It's good to be ready. But even with all that, I just hope Singapore's defence won't ever be tested ☮️

Proud to be part of this island.

Wow. A very good article. Thank you. I had NO idea that Singapore had such a large or advanced military. I also admit that I did not know that the country was so small. I learned a lot.

Singapore is an exemplar nation on so many levels.  Si vis pacem, para bellum . 

The idea of density of defence never occurred to me till now, even though I've grown up with national service as part of the culture and I have a brother who did NS - it blows my mind to think about how many soldiers there are walking around the place.

Great work. Awesome story👍

The principal is very simple that high safety simply makes the tiny country like a safe for world capital. It is the exact same strategy as Switzerland’s.

Wow, Singapore's military power is impressive! 🌏

Next video: how this huge news corporation has their employees record videos using microphones from 1965

Wow, I never knew how small Singapore is

I install civil defence monitoring systems for Singapore. They got Israeli iron dome defence systems on the roof tops of civilian residential buildings. There is 100% coverage of the iron dome defence system over the whole of Singapore. The military is designed and trained to fight all wars off it's own shores.