21 February 2022

Singapore announces 6.5% increase in 2022 defence budget

by Jon Grevatt

Invincible , the first of four Type 218SG submarines on order for the Republic of Singapore Navy, is seen here during a launch ceremony held in Germany in February 2019. Handover of the boat is expected in 2022. (ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems)

Singapore has announced a 2022 defence budget of SGD16.36 billion (USD12.16 billion), a nominal increase of SGD1 billion or 6.5% over the allocation in 2021.

The 2022 allocation includes SGD15.76 billion for operations, with SGD15.71 billion of this funding appropriated for “military expenditure”. This represents a year-on-year increase of 6.5%.

The remainder of spending, SGD600.7 million, is appropriated for development expenditure, an increase of 7.7% compared with 2021.

According to the government, military expenditure includes payments for the purchase of military equipment, its maintenance, and military salaries.

It said funding for development expenditure increased because of higher construction requirements, including projects previously delayed by the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government provided no additional details about its defence spending plans in 2022.

However, the funding is expected to support the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) modernisation plans laid out by the government in 2019. It is likely that some of these plans were delayed by reduced defence budget growth in 2021.

SAF modernisation includes investment in new land-forces capability, including the locally developed Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV); a next-generation 155 mm howitzer; a new armoured all-terrain tracked carrier vehicle; and new micro-, mini-, and close-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Singapore has announced a 2022 defence budget of SGD16.36 billion (USD12.16 billion), a nominal incr...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.