Spectators at this year's National Day Parade (NDP) will get a closer look at the nation's security forces as parts of the Dynamic Defence Display (D3) will include performers simulating a counter-terrorist routine in the midst of the crowd.
They will also get double the action as the defence display will be divided into two segments for the first time. The parade and ceremony will be sandwiched between the two parts.
The NDP, which celebrates Singapore's 52nd year of independence, will be held at the Marina Bay Floating Platform. Not only will the event see the return of the D3 after a two-year absence, but it will also include high-intensity pyrotechnics, a new cyber-security performance and a counter-terrorism display.
About 500 participants and more than 50 assets - the biggest number to date - from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) will take part. They include seven types of vehicles making their parade debut, such as the SAF's Belrex Protected Combat Support Vehicle, the SPF's Tactical Response Motorcycle and the SCDF's Fire-Medical Vehicle.
The first segment focuses on the role of the SAF as the guarantor of Singapore's independence, and features the high-tech assets from the army, air force and navy.
The second segment features Singapore's whole-of-government and community response to a terrorism threat. It will show how cyber-security agencies deal with cyber attacks, followed by how the SAF and Home Team respond to terrorist threats here.
And for the first time, performers will fire blanks in the seating gallery, adding to the show's realism.
"We will be flashing warning messages to let the audience know to expect very loud noises and pyrotechnics as part of the display," said Colonel Tan Tiong Keat, chairman of the D3 committee.
Spectators can also expect traditional elements such as the 21-gun salute on an M3G military raft and the state flag flypast flown by a Chinook helicopter with two Apache escorts. There will be about 2,000 participants from 31 marching contingents, including those from SAF and Home Team, as well as youth groups and the public sector.
For the first time, the signature bomb burst will be performed by five F-15SG fighter planes. Two of the pilots are NSmen, while the others are regulars with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
The parade will also feature its largest military tattoo performance, with 170 performers. Bagpipers from the SPF Women Police Pipes and Drums will join the tattoo for the first time.
A key theme of this year's NDP is the tribute to 50 years of national service. An NS50 tribute video will be screened and the marching contingent will also do a salute.
Colonel Koh Eee Wen, chairman of the parade and ceremony committee, said: "Besides recognising NSmen, we are also recognising their families. We know that when NSmen have to report to camp for duty, it's really the family helming the home front."
In a nod to the contributions of NSmen, the parade will be led by Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Lim Wee Tee, 45, who is a director of sales .
