Singapore's First Tanks... and the story behind them

 

(Photo: Yusof Ishak Collection, Courtesy of National Archives of Singapore)

From: Paul Ooi Modelworks

Takeaway from the above:

1) SG was concerned that MY may be like the CCP/PRC and try to "re-unite" SG... forcibly if need be.

2) Not stated in the above was Malaysia's "aggression". Here's the comment:

"So in those days, Malaysia had infantry regiments stationed in Singapore who refused to leave despite our government's requests. our prime minister was escorted by malaysian soldiers when foreign dignitaries had an event here on the insistence of malaysia. It is was malaysia telling the world that Singapore is still malaysia bitch.

at any rate, the AMX were secretly brought into singapore and tankers were boot camped into how to drive the tank. The truth of the matter was that it was so rushed that the tankers didnt even know how to turn the turret and raise the gun which is why the tanks never did that signature armour column salute.

So why was it so rushed? well, it was a giant middle finger to malaysia. at that point, malaysia had a grand total of 0 tanks. and malaysia's posture was extremely aggressive militarily. 9th august 1969 was the day the arms race began. but kind of like the space race, one side decided it wasn't worth the money but they other, richer, side just kept pumping money in.

But let this be a lesson that no matter how much NS is a pain, it only takes 1 election to change foreign relations. Notice how tense it was when mahathir took office then suddenly went back to peaceful when he left? Remember that the most recent territorial dispute back in feb19 was when mahathir was in office. it was so tense that ships were literally facing each other off.

Foreign policies can change overnight, but you can't raise an army in that time. always remember that malaysia and indonesia may be our friends now, but a lot can happen in 1 election.

[Addendum: In 2024, Singapore announced our intent to purchase 8 F35A. We already ordered 12 F35B, to be delivered from 2026 to 2030. This would put the RSAF way over the rest of the air forces in the region. And we don't make these purchases in secret. Because the purpose of such purchases is to show the world what we have, and what any aggressor will be facing.

"...we don't keep our defence purchases secret. We proclaim it. We advertise it. We make sure EVERYBODY knows we have it. And KNOW how much Singapore outclass them in defence. If we appear weak, we will look like Ukraine (to Putin), or Kuwait (to Saddam)."

The point of our weapons is defence. If defence means a potential aggressor weighs the costs of an invasion as too high, we have achieved defence without firing a shot.]