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SAF conducts night-time counter-terrorism exercise at The Star Vista

Operators from SAF's Special Operations Task Force preparing to storm the room during a counter-terrorism exercise conducted at The Star Vista. (PHOTO: Singapore Armed Forces)
Operators from SAF's Special Operations Task Force preparing to storm the room during a counter-terrorism exercise conducted at The Star Vista. (PHOTO: Singapore Armed Forces)

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducted a counter-terrorism exercise at The Star Vista from Monday night (7 February) to the early hours on Tuesday.

The exercise was led by SAF's Special Operations Task Force, and saw the deployment of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) new H225M medium lift helicopters, which were unveiled in December last year.

The helicopters are part of the helicopter group under RSAF’s Participation Command, which can insert troops, drop supplies or provide air defence to influence ground and maritime battles.

According to CNA, SAF personnel were seen fast-roping down from one of the helicopters onto the shopping mall, which is situated near the Ghim Moh housing estate.

Special Operations Task Force members fast-roping from RSAF's H225M medium lift helicopter to the roof of The Star Vista. (PHOTO: Singapore Armed Forces)
Special Operations Task Force members fast-roping from RSAF's H225M medium lift helicopter to the roof of The Star Vista. (PHOTO: Singapore Armed Forces)

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a media release on Tuesday that the exercise is aimed at testing the SAF's operational readiness and strengthening its response to a spectrum of threats.

The scenario at The Star Vista required the deployed forces to respond to a simulated hostage situation, and to swiftly neutralise threats within an urban setting.

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