DSTA must accept more risks & consider radical changes to keep up with accelerating technology cycles: SM Lee

Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong (SM Lee) has called on the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to "innovate and deliver systems at a pace that keeps up with accelerating technology cycles".

Speaking at DSTA's 25th Anniversary dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel on Sep. 19, he lauded the agency's achievements but highlighted that new entrants are disrupting the traditional defence industry model.

"DSTA must pay equal attention to how fast it can bring new systems and capabilities"

At the start of his speech, SM Lee said that DSTA has "matured enormously" since its establishment in 2000.

"This has only been possible through the hard work and strong support from all of you here today and many more who are not present today," he added.

He highlighted DSTA's achievements in the past years, including delivering network analysis tools and C2 systems to support task forces during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as supporting the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) by building new capabilities in software development, intelligence gathering and cybersecurity.

SM Lee also noted the ongoing wars in Europe and the Middle East, and how these wars show "how quickly technologies and fighting concepts and tactics are changing".

As such, "DSTA must innovate and deliver systems at a pace that keeps up with accelerating technology cycles," he said.

He also pointed to emerging defence firms such as Anduril, Palantir and Helsing, which thrive not by "outspending traditional defence primes, but by outpacing them".

"These have become highly sought-after companies, as militaries begin to realise the value of fast-moving, innovation-driven players," he said.

"And it means that DSTA cannot just double down on what it has traditionally been good at... DSTA must now pay equal, if not more, attention to how fast it can bring new systems and capabilities online, adapt them iteratively, and meet operational timelines that work for the SAF."

This would involve fundamental mindset shifts, selectively accepting more risks, and contemplating even more radical changes to push the envelope further.

He added that Singapore's defence community must also support local start-ups and smaller companies alongside established defence players.

SAF must know what to demand from DSTA, DSTA must form independent view on SAF'S demands

SM Lee added Singapore must set up and maintain a "healthy tension" between DSTA and the SAF, on technology acquisition.

"On the SAF’s part, combat formations and leaders must raise their tech quotient. They must understand not only their mission needs, but also what technology can accomplish for them. They must know what to demand from DSTA."

He added that DSTA must form an independent view on whether the SAF's demands and requirements "make sense, or can be met much more cost-effectively with some adjustments".

"It must be prepared to push back. At the same time, DSTA must be quick to alert the SAF when new technologies threaten to disrupt its whole concept of operations," SM Lee said.

He added that training national servicemen to keep pace with fast-changing technologies remains a key challenge.

"Human initiative and ingenuity can trump even the best technology"

While praising technological advances, SM Lee said that battles are ultimately fought and won by people, not just by technology.

Referring to the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, he noted that ultimately, "human initiative and ingenuity can trump even the best technology".

"Mindef, the SAF and DSTA will always need brave and resourceful soldiers and engineers in its ranks. For the survival of our country rests on their shoulders."

On the other hand, DSTA should keep attracting and retaining top STEM talent to strengthen its ranks.

SM Lee said: "It needs people who are not only strong in engineering and IT, but who also care deeply for the country and have a passion for applying their expertise to defence technology. That is how DSTA can continue to make a major contribution to our nation's security."

Top photos via Lee Hsien Loong & DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency/Facebook