New digital solutions, live firing of rocket launchers make debuts at Exercise Wallaby

Key Concepts

• Exercise Wallaby: Singapore's largest overseas military exercise, now in its 35th year.
• High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS): A rocket launch system being tested for live firing at Exercise Wallaby.
• Integrated and Synchronized Objectives: A new approach in Exercise Wallaby focusing on seamless operation between army and air force.
• Digital Domain: The inclusion of new digital solutions and technologies in military exercises.
• Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA): Singaporean agency testing new digital applications in live conditions.
• AI Tools, Robotics, Counter Drone Systems: Examples of new digital technologies being tested.

Exercise Wallaby: Singapore's Largest Overseas Military Exercise

Exercise Wallaby, now in its 35th year, is Singapore's largest overseas military exercise. It brings together over 5,000 personnel and 500 platforms from across the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The exercise is conducted in the Shaw Water Bay training area in Australia, utilizing Australia's vast training grounds which are five times the size of Singapore. This expansive area allows the SAF to train across air, land, and digital domains on a scale not replicable in Singapore.

Innovations and Live Firing

A significant development in this year's Exercise Wallaby is the first-time live firing of the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). This event is crucial for testing the coordination between Singapore's air and land forces.

Integration of Air and Land Forces

Traditionally, the army and air force have conducted autonomous training with unilateral objectives. However, this year's exercise scenario has been designed to integrate and synchronize objectives. This means that a lot of the objectives are now integrated and synchronized, allowing both the army and air force to operate seamlessly, mirroring expectations in real combat. This integrated approach is a key focus and is considered to have great value.

Digital Domain and Technological Advancements

The exercise also emphasizes the digital domain, with engineers from the Defense Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) working alongside soldiers in the field. They are testing more than 20 new digital applications under live conditions. These applications include:

• AI Tools: Artificial intelligence technologies to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Robotics: Robotic systems for various military applications.
• Counter Drone Systems: Technologies to detect and neutralize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

This integration of new technologies is part of the SAF's broader effort to turn innovation into real-world capabilities.

Safety Protocols and Lessons Learned

Large-scale overseas exercises inherently carry risks. The SAF acknowledges this, with a notable incident last year where two armored vehicles collided, injuring 12 soldiers. Leaders emphasize that safety is paramount and never an afterthought. Lessons learned from past exercises, including Exercise Wallaby, have been incorporated into planning and preparation. This includes:

• Extensive tabletop exercises.
• Conducting safety briefings at both command and soldier levels.

Scope of Training

Since early September, troops from the army, air force, and the digital and intelligence service have been engaged in exercises requiring multi-domain operations. These include:

• Armored maneuvers.
• Helicopter missions.
• Air drops.
• Live firing drills.

The overarching goal is to strengthen coordination and decision-making capabilities across these diverse operational areas.

Conclusion

Exercise Wallaby 2023 marks a significant step forward for the Singapore Armed Forces, showcasing advancements in integrated multi-domain operations, the live testing of advanced rocket systems like HIMARS, and the crucial incorporation of cutting-edge digital technologies. The emphasis on seamless coordination between air and land forces, alongside robust safety measures and the practical application of innovations, underscores the SAF's commitment to enhancing its operational readiness and effectiveness in modern warfare.