The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has concluded Exercise Brightfire 2026, a three-week deployment of its Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG) to the Overberg Test Range, where personnel conducted live-firing activities using the RBS 70 ground-based air defence (GBAD) system. This iteration of the exercise marked a notable milestone with the inaugural live-firing of the upgraded RBS 70 NG mounted on the URO VAMTAC platform, enhancing system mobility and operational flexibility. According to the RSAF, the live-firing programme enabled participating units to strengthen operational confidence and readiness in countering low-level aerial threats. The deployment also provided a realistic training environment to refine engagement procedures and improve crew proficiency under operational conditions.
The DAG, a specialised formation under the RSAF’s Participation Command, is tasked with delivering low-level GBAD coverage in support of Singapore Army operations. Its responsibilities include developing air-land integration doctrine, ensuring interoperability between air defence and ground manoeuvre elements, and maintaining high readiness levels across subordinate GBAD and air control units. Within the Participation Command structure, the DAG operates alongside other principal formations, including the Helicopter Group, Tactical Air Support Group, and Operations Development Group, collectively supporting joint-force operations.
RBS 70 (Robotsystem 70) is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. Singapore was among the early adopters of the RBS 70, introducing the system into service in the early 1980s. Subsequent upgrades have included the integration of the Bolide missile and, more recently, the acquisition of the RBS 70 NG variant. The NG configuration incorporates advanced sighting systems, including automatic target tracking, night engagement capability, and enhanced training and post-mission analysis tools. RBS 70 (Robotsystem 70) is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces.
The DAG’s core air defence capability centres on the RBS 70 system, a man-portable, laser-guided short-range surface-to-air missile developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics. Designed for deployment in diverse operational environments, the system can be operated in dismounted configurations or integrated onto mobile platforms such as armoured vehicles and high-mobility tactical vehicles. The continued evolution of the RSAF’s GBAD capabilities, demonstrated during Exercise Brightfire 2026, underscores Singapore’s emphasis on maintaining a responsive and modernised short-range air defence network capable of addressing emerging aerial threats.
