Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean was at Jurong Island this afternoon to see a demonstration of the enhanced capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) for dealing with terrorist threats.

The Army’s 2nd People’s Defence Force (2PDF) Headquarters has been configured as the Island Defence Headquarters (IDHQ), whose role is to monitor and respond decisively to security threats to the homeland, particularly terrorist threats. Working in close collaboration with the Home Team agencies, the IDHQ has command and control, and co-ordination functions. The IDHQ maintains a 24/7 national security picture which integrates the land, sea, and air pictures with those provided by the Home Team agencies. It also provides security support for high profile events taking place in Singapore.

Since November 2004, the IDHQ’s capabilities have been reinforced with the designation of the 6th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (6 SIR) as the Army’s first active Protection of Installation Battalion (POI Bn). In the current security environment, there is a need for a highly trained and dedicated force to provide round-the-clock protection of key installations. 6 SIR was thus reorganised and trained as a unit fully capable of conducting a range of POI duties. It has the skills for area search and bomb cordons, as well as new competencies like operating special-to-type weapons. 6 SIR will be augmented by the SAF’s Chemical-Biological-Radiological-Explosive (CBRE) Defence Group during operations.

During his visit, Mr Teo was briefed on the roles and functions of the IDHQ. He also witnessed a mock intrusion demonstration which showcased the swift and integrated response and capabilities of 6 SIR, working closely with the CBRE group and military police elements.