MINDEF on Lebanon pager explosions: Importance of supply chain safeguards & intelligence sharing

Potential suppliers for projects by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have to be security-cleared before they are allowed to participate, according to Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in a written parliamentary reply on Oct. 14.

Ng was replying to a question posed by Member of Parliament (MP) Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim about the security implications for Singapore in light of the simultaneous explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon on Sep. 17 and 18.

The minister noted that such incidents showed how communication and other common devices can be compromised, disrupted, or weaponised.

The incidents have also underscored the importance of securing the supply chains of such equipment.

Delivery of equipment is "closely monitored"

Ng said that both MINDEF and the SAF have various safeguards in place for Singapore's supply chains.

To ensure that Singapore's equipment is delivered safely and securely without being tampered, the transportation providers and routes used have to be authorised by MINDEF and the SAF.

They also monitor the shipment closely, he added.

Upon receiving the equipment or system, the items are screened, inspected, and tested before deployment.

In some cases, this includes testing for cyber vulnerability, Ng pointed out.

"Given the number and range of technologies and equipment involved, we take a risk-differentiated approach," he said.

Apart from implementing their own safeguards, MINDEF and the SAF also share information and intelligence with relevant local government agencies and international partners regarding the latest emergence or discovery of vulnerabilities, particularly in the cyber domain.

"We will continue to review and improve our safeguards," he said.

Top left photo via DW News/YouTube, right photo via The Patriot Voice/X