Intelligence and Terrorism News

New battlefield computer system better tracks enemy units

Oct 24, 2006, 10:52 GMT

Singapore - A battlefield computer system that allows troops to track enemy units as well as friendly forces has been developed in Singapore, its makers unveiled Tuesday.

Central to the armed forces' high-tech drive, the system has been deployed in two new armoured vehicles with the 42nd battalion of the Singapore armoured regiment.

'The enemy picture is being updated all the time,' Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said after watching a live-fire exercise.

The system is the result of a two-year partnership between the army, Singapore Technologies Electronics and the Defence Science & Technology Agency.

The vehicles and soldiers are constantly given secure updates on the positions of troops in near real time.

The system is aimed at improving the situational awareness of Singapore Armed Forces units, reduce confusion on the battlefield and help troops avoid friendly fire casualties, the developers said.

The vehicles to be equipped with the system include a new mortar tracking carrier and an upgraded armoured fighter with improved protection against anti-armour mines.