Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Defence and Foreign Affairs, and its Resource Panel, visited the Air Defence and Operations Command at Lim Chu Kang Camp II on Wednesday afternoon.

During the visit hosted by Minister of State for Defence, Dr Maliki Osman, GPC members were briefed on the organisational structure of the Air Defence and Operations Command and its role in safeguarding the country's air space.

They were also given a demonstration of a surface-to-air ground-based air defence system, which can engage a wide spectrum of aerial threats including aircraft and missiles, being deployed.

The GPC members then tried out a man-portable, short-range ground-based air defence system simulator. They also interacted with full-time and operationally ready national servicemen from the Air Defence and Operations Command.

At the end of the visit, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, chairman of the GPC for Defence and Foreign Affairs said the trip highlighted the importance of having a well-resourced Air Defence and Operations Command to keep Singapore skies safe.

"Our defence budget is by no means small and it has been frequently criticised to say that perhaps we can spend a little bit less and spend more on social spending," he said. "But on the other hand, the public must also understand that security is the foundation for prosperity, progress and stability. Without that, there is nothing to talk about."

The Air Defence and Operations Command was inaugurated in 2007, and executes the Republic of Singapore Air Force's peacetime operations and air defence. It also ensures the development and operational readiness of the command and control forces, and ground-based air defence units.