Ensuring Mission-Ready Systems

The Essential Team Ensuring Mission-Ready Systems

Behind every mission-ready system that DSTA delivers to the Singapore Armed Forces, there is a team of dedicated defence engineers from our Systems Management programme centre who keep these platforms running reliably, securely, 24/7. We ensure these complex systems perform under all conditions, not just during routine use, but also in high-pressure, real-world operations.

Systems Management brings together technical expertise, data analytics, industry acumen and operational insights, to deliver reliable performance. Adopting a systems engineering approach, our System Managers work closely with defence partners and ops users to ensure high operational readiness and reliability for the SAF’s defence systems.

Systems Management in Action

In 2009, as part of Operation Blue Ridge, the SAF deployed its Weapon Locating Radars (WLR) in Afghanistan to provide early warning against rocket attacks on the coalition forces. The environment was harsh – with extreme temperatures, dusty conditions and a relentless pace of operations over 15 months.  

To ensure uninterrupted performance, our System Managers, together with the Army's Maintenance and Engineering Support Formation, engineered and implemented an External Generator and Cooling Units to keep the systems running stably and responsively.

The uninterrupted WLR coverage enabled continuous early warning, accurate threat detection and rapid response – giving commanders the tactical edge needed to protect coalition forces and drive mission success on the ground. 

Recognised for their engineering solution, the Weapon Locating Radar Engineering Team received the Defence Technology Prize (Team Engineering) in 2011.

More recently in April this year, during the Republic of Singapore’s Navy live firing of the Aster Surface-to-Air missile off the coast of Toulon in France, our System Managers were onboard the RSS Formidable frigate to provide engineering support and on-site systems expertise.

From engineering insights to system validation, we played a key role in demonstrating the system’s readiness and capabilities. Our efforts helped push system boundaries and ensure the platform is ready to meet operational demands – now and in the future. 

A group photo with Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, DSTA Deputy Chief Executive (National Engineering) Mr Loke Mun Kwong and members from the Systems Management, Advanced Systems, Naval Systems and C3D Programme Centres to commemorate the successful exercise.

Systems Management is more than engineering know-how. It’s also about teamwork, adaptability and shared commitment to Singapore’s defence.

DSTA’s System Managers are a close-knit crew who bring energy and focus to everything we do, whether we are troubleshooting in the field or working on engineering enhancements.

We are the steady hands behind mission readiness, enabling the SAF to operate with confidence, no matter the challenge.