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SINGAPORE is a prime example of what collaborative air power can achieve in today's high stakes world. Indeed, as a small nation, its peace and security is possible in large part because of a tight regional security 'network'.
This was the message delivered by Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean at the opening of the Global Air Power Conference on Monday, held in conjunction with the inaugural Singapore Airshow.
Citing the 'Eyes in the Sky' joint effort by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia to maintain security in the Malacca Straits, Mr Teo pointed out that such use of air power since 2005 has become so successful in crippling sea robberies that the much followed Lloyd agency even removed the Straits from its list of war-risk areas the following year.
The 36-year Five Power Defence Arrangements or FPDA, the oldest such pact that Singapore is a member of, is also another example of regional collaboration bearing fruit. As part of its mission to secure Malaysia and Singapore from threats, the FPDA already conducts two annual joint exercises on air defence and air operations.
"As the nature of air power evolves, air forces need to be more joint and networked. Tighter integration with intelligence, surveillance, strike and ground elements is needed to execute missions in a compressed timeframe, and with greater precision,' stressed Mr Teo.
He added: "The inherent characteristics of air power... make it well-suited to meet today's expanding and varied trans-national security challenges. Through practical cooperation between air forces, we will be better able to meet these challenges and enhance our collective security."
To do just that, defence professionals and air force chiefs will be exchanging ideas and building networks as part of the Singapore Airshow in the week ahead.
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