Recent Conflicts Show How Warfare is Evolving: PM Wong

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said recent global conflicts highlight how warfare is rapidly evolving, making it crucial for Singapore to strengthen its defence capabilities. “This trend towards more unmanned systems, using new technologies and different ways of fighting – this will be with us. And we have to learn from this experience how to better harness new technologies and unmanned systems in our concept of operations,” he said.

Warfare is evolving with new threats, and it is important for Singapore to build up its own capabilities, he said during a visit to the army’s 6th Singapore Division/Headquarters Sense and Strike in Mandai Hill Camp.

He emphasised that the key is not just acquiring new equipment, but integrating technologies across different branches of the military to operate cohesively. This includes closer coordination between operations and technology teams, as well as across services within the Singapore Armed Forces, to enhance overall effectiveness and deterrence.

PM Wong also warned that the global security environment is becoming more uncertain, with rising geopolitical tensions and the risk of more frequent conflicts. “In a time where we come under threat, no one is going to come to our rescue, and we have to depend on ourselves,” he said.