SINGAPORE HISTORY

Forty years of Total Defence

A simple introduction to Singapore’s Total Defence concept

Leopard 2SG main battle tank showcase during NS55 in 2022. Photograph by writer.

This year (2024) marks 40 years since Singapore’s concept of Total Defence was first introduced. Although there have been many national campaigns over the years, many may not still fully appreciate what Total Defence is. So, what is Total Defence and why is it…