SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is testing a new system to enhance aerial and maritime security, announced the Ministry of Defence on Tuesday (Nov 29).
The Aerostat is a tethered helium-filled balloon that’s attached with a 360-degree censor to monitor threats over Singapore’s air and sea space.
It will complement the Singapore Airmed Forces’ (SAF) suite of sensors, to allow for “timely and decisive response to safeguard Singapore’s peace and security,” said MINDEF.
This is crucial as the island has many built-up areas which make it difficult for censors to monitor low-flying threats, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen who observed a testing of the aerostat system at Choa Chu Kang Camp on Tuesday.
“For small city states like Singapore, the need to put up defences must depend on layers of defence … we’ve procured this aerostat, and it adds another layer of defence and confidence in terms of what we are able to detect,” added Dr Ng.
The aerostat will have a clear line of sight over Singapore’s air and sea space. (Graphics: MINDEF)
Aerostat can fly as high as 600m – about three times the height of Swissotel The Stamford hotel – and can monitor threats as far as 200km beyond Singapore shores.
When fully operational, the 55m-long balloon will be able to provide round-the-clock monitoring. The data is processed at a ground station where the balloon is tied to.
MINDEF added that radiation emissions from the radar equipment on the aerostat will be as safe as that of mobile phones.
The aerostat has completed initial tests at the manufacturer’s facility in the United States and the tests at Choa Chu Kang Camp will go on for one year before it will be rolled out for use.
