CRACK units of the Singapore Armed Forces - the Army's Commandos and Special Operations Force, and the Navy's divers - will be brought together under one command to tackle terrorist threats.

Previously, these units operated independently.

The newly-formed Special Operations Task Force, however, will mix and match the different capabilities of Singapore's elite soldiers to muster a faster, sharper response to varying threats.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, who gave details of the new structure in an interview ahead of SAF Day, which falls on Wednesday, said it would allow the special forces to work together much more cohesively and effectively.

Integration, he noted, is important, because dealing with terrorists requires bringing guns to the fight on land, in the air and over the sea, and could involve storming buildings, aircraft and ships.

The units involved in the re-organisation have sophisticated capabilities in one or more of these areas.

But DPM Teo, who also the defence minister, said: 'We need to bring together these capabilities, develop them in a much more complete, coherent manner.'

The new set-up will be headed by the current Chief Commando Officer, Colonel Lam Shiu Tong.

The SAF's latest re-organisation follows similar exercises in the Army, Navy and Air Force to better police Singapore's borders, waters and airspace.

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.