ABSTRACT
Singapore is a tiny island state that since independence from the British in 1965 has managed to develop a formidable defence-industrial base. Singapore’s policymakers prefer to use the term defence ‘ecosystem’, as it more aptly captures all the diverse elements contributing to arms production capacity, within and beyond, the industrial base. This is often referred to as technological absorption capability, and includes specialist supply chains, R&D institutions, skilled engineering and design personnel and high technology universities. As part of a conceptualised model highlighting the principal facets in the development of Singapore’s defence-industrial ecosystem, this chapter examines the importance of proactive government strategy, treating the core defence company, ST Engineering, as a strategic industry. Technology development is fostered via indigenous R&D investment, foreign technological partnerships and defence offset. This unique defence-industrial model is framed within the country’s ‘Total Defence’ policy, emphasising the significance of technological development through civil-military integration. Singapore’s defence-industrial eco-system is a success story, and offers the potential for emulation by other emerging states seeking accelerated defence industrialisation.
