Rethinking Singapore's Defence Innovation in a Multipolar World

A key challenge is navigating geopolitical tensions, export controls and technological disruptions amid growing techno-nationalism.

- Michael Raska

Singapore's recent announcement that it will deepen investments in drones, countermeasures and the new Defence Cyber Command marks a significant step in bolstering its defence capabilities.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is establishing new units to integrate uncrewed vehicles with the air force and army, alongside setting up counter-drone capabilities and cyber defences to protect critical national infrastructure.

However, these hardware acquisitions, while essential for the ongoing next-generation SAF transformation, only address part of the challenge for developing Singapore's defence-technological capabilities.

In an increasingly divided multipolar world, Singapore must rethink its ability to access, develop and integrate cutting-edge technologies crucial for both civilian and military applications.

A key challenge for small states like Singapore is navigating the geopolitical tensions, export controls and technological disruptions, all of which are deeply embedded amid growing techno-nationalism.

This phenomenon is particularly evident in the increasingly restrictive global semiconductor supply chain, where countries are imposing tighter controls over critical technologies, limiting access and prioritising national security and economic interests and self-reliance.

In 2024, for example, the US announced a stricter semiconductor export control system, categorising countries into three tiers, each with distinct access to US advanced chip technologies such as high-end chips for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-bandwidth memory chips.

Tier 1 nations, such as Japan and the UK, enjoy unrestricted access to these technologies. In contrast, Tier 2 nations, including Singapore and Malaysia, face limitations and must navigate export quotas and licensing requirements.