Amid growing strain on defence supply chains and geopolitical uncertainties around the world, Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency has taken a bold step to broaden the nations it looks to for defence innovation. The move marks a shift from reliance on traditional Western suppliers to a global search that could reshape how Singapore equips its armed forces in the years ahead.
The agency’s new strategy signals both caution and opportunity as it seeks cutting edge technologies from Asia and Europe while safeguarding the city state’s long‑term security interests.
Broader Defence Tech Search to Reduce Risk
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency is now actively widening its search for defence innovation beyond traditional partners in the West to markets such as Japan, South Korea, the Nordic countries, and parts of Eastern Europe. This effort aims to reduce Singapore’s dependence on a limited set of suppliers amid global supply chain disruptions and shifting geopolitics. Officials said diversifying sources enhances resilience and access to advanced technologies at a time when defence procurement landscapes are changing rapidly.
This change comes as the agency’s newly formed Horizon Tech Office prioritises engagement with start‑ups and more innovative firms rather than established defence giants. The office’s mandate is to connect innovative companies to Singapore’s defence needs and help accelerate the development and adoption of technologies such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems. Industry experts say recent conflicts around the world demonstrated how rapidly emerging technologies can reshape battlefield dynamics and supply chain priorities.
Prioritising Innovation in Drones and AI
At the heart of the strategy is a focus on tech that can improve the defence forces’ operational capabilities in future conflicts. Unmanned aerial systems, advanced artificial intelligence, and autonomy technologies are among the key areas where Singapore is looking to strengthen its capabilities. According to senior leaders at the agency, these technologies are no longer niche but essential for modern defence operations. The emphasis is not only on buying new systems but also on understanding how they can be adapted, tested, and integrated quickly into active use.
To help achieve this, the agency is moving away from a simple buyer‑seller model used in traditional defence procurement. Instead, it aims to develop deeper partnerships with suppliers, providing them with access to operational data, test platforms, and real‑world environments where technologies can be trialled. This flexible model is designed to speed up development cycles and give Singapore an edge in adopting emerging tech solutions more quickly.
Engaging Venture Capital and Global Start‑ups
A major part of the strategy is expanding engagement with global venture capital firms and innovation accelerators. These organisations are hubs where many promising tech companies first appear before becoming big names in their fields.
“We have to look where innovation happens,” said a senior DSTA official, explaining that venture and accelerator ecosystems often reveal technologies that traditional defence contractors don’t produce. This engagement not only helps identify promising companies but also helps Singapore plug into new technology ecosystems early.
The move reflects a broader trend in defence procurement globally, where governments are increasingly recognising that defence innovation often comes from agile, smaller firms rather than long‑established defence giants. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and Nordic states have seen rapid growth in their tech ecosystems, particularly in autonomous systems and robotics, making them attractive partners for collaboration. Experts note that expanding into these markets can give Singapore access to unique technology talents and solutions that address future battlefield needs.
Local Industry Remains Part of Strategy
Even as Singapore reaches out to global markets, the agency has emphasised that local companies remain crucial to its plans. Officials made clear that there is no bias toward overseas firms over domestic ones, and in many cases, local partnerships are key to building resilience.
In some cases, the agency is intentionally pairing international firms with local partners to transfer knowledge and build domestic capability. This approach not only helps local firms grow but also ensures that critical systems can be supported locally in times of global supply strain. Such collaborations can boost domestic innovation ecosystems while providing Singapore with more sustainable long‑term sources of key technologies.
Global Defence Context and Supply Chain Stress
The strategy comes against a backdrop of heightened global demand for defence technologies and ongoing supply chain pressures. Recent changes in defence procurement requirements in major economies, including more stringent sourcing conditions and export restrictions, have placed additional emphasis on diversified supply chains. In some regions, new regulations limit where key defence systems can be manufactured or sourced, prompting countries to reassess their procurement strategies. These international pressures have underscored the importance of not relying too heavily on any single region for critical technologies.
At the same time, defence industries around the world are experiencing rapid transformation, with previously civilian robotics and automation firms expanding into defence production. These trends have made Europe, Japan, and South Korea especially attractive as sources of dual‑use technologies that could be adapted for military needs.
What This Means for Singapore’s Security
For Singapore, expanding its technology search is both a practical response to immediate supply chain challenges and a strategic move to future‑proof its defence capabilities. By tapping into new markets with strong tech ecosystems, Singapore is positioning itself to access a wider array of innovative systems without overdependence on any single supplier group.
This diversified approach could help Singapore maintain operational readiness in uncertain times while also strengthening its supply chain resilience against global disruptions. Local defence suppliers may also benefit from increased exposure to international markets and partnerships, creating long‑term growth opportunities for Singapore’s tech sector.
In a world where technology cycles are accelerating and geopolitical tensions remain unpredictable, Singapore’s defence procurement strategy reflects a blend of caution and forward‑thinking that could serve as a model for other small, highly connected states.
