Testing Readiness Against Urban Threats
A typically quiet evening at The Star Vista mall in Buona Vista transformed into the scene of a high-stakes counter-terrorism exercise on Monday night. The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed soldiers and helicopters to simulate a response to a hypothetical urban hostage situation.
Helicopters in Action
At around 10pm, the sound of H225M helicopters broke the stillness, marking the start of the operation. The first helicopter, flying with lights off for stealth, hovered above the 15-storey mall as soldiers descended by fast-rope onto its rooftop. Shortly after, the second helicopter, lit by strobe lights, followed suit, unloading additional personnel before both aircraft disappeared into the night.
This marked the first publicised use of the H225M helicopters in special forces training since their unveiling in December.
Simulated Hostage Crisis
The exercise, led by SAF’s Special Operations Task Force, involved a simulated hostage scenario inside the mall. While reporters were restricted from observing the internal operation, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) shared that the mission focused on swiftly neutralising threats in an urban setting.
Operational Preparedness Amid Challenges
MINDEF emphasised the importance of maintaining operational readiness despite challenges posed by COVID-19. The exercise demonstrated SAF’s commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s security through regular training and scenario-based drills.
Through these operations, SAF continues to strengthen its capacity to respond effectively to a broad range of potential threats, ensuring the nation’s safety and sovereignty.
