Update on Inter-agency Efforts to Detect, Track and Neutralise Unauthorised Unmanned Aircraft System Activities Near Aiports

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether the Ministry can provide an update on the inter-agency efforts to routinely detect, track and neutralise unauthorised unmanned aircraft system (UAS) activities near Changi and Seletar Airports, including those launched from sea waters off Singapore; and (b) whether any steps will be taken to enhance current counter-UAS capabilities and coordination given recent incidents in certain European airports.

The Ministry of Home Affairs coordinates and advises various agencies on how they should address threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) across the island. Responsible agencies are required to detect, identify and neutralise unauthorised UAS activities which pose a threat to aviation or public safety and security, including at Changi and Seletar Airports. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the Changi Airport Group (CAG) have direct responsibility for the safety and security of Changi and Seletar Airport operations.

The airports take a multi-layered approach. First, there are upstream measures, such as a 5-kilometre No-Fly Zone around Singapore's aerodromes. Second, in-situ counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) have been deployed at Changi and Seletar Airports by CAAS and CAG. These systems are capable of detecting, tracking and neutralising unauthorised UAS.  Third, there are established inter-agency protocols for incident response to C-UAS threats near the airports, including those launched from offshore waters, involving CAAS, the Singapore Police Force, the Singapore Armed Forces and the Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore. These protocols are exercised regularly.

Police frontline officers are trained and equipped with handheld jammers, to neutralise unauthorised UAS. This includes officers who are part of the Strategic Location Response deployment, which was announced earlier in June. They are able to respond more swiftly to public security incidents, including UAS incidents near the airports.

Members will appreciate that while these measures have been put in place, there are always risks arising from human agency; and technology is constantly evolving. Those with bad intentions also access the latest technology. Thus, it is always a constant effort to maintain security.