Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
So-called ‘smart munitions’ being developed by the DSTA will be fired from existing Leonardo 76mm guns to engage drones. (Photo: Republic of Singapore Navy)
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has been working with Leonardo, Thales and Safran on developing a cost-effective naval counter-unmanned aerial system solution. The development comes at a time when the country’s technology and procurement agency shifts from a buyer–vendor dynamic to a collaborative one.
Speaking to Shephard, DSTA CEO Ng Chad-son said DSTA was working with Thales to co-developed AI algorithms to reduce false alarms produced by radar, which in turn would reduce operator workloads. At the same time, the agency has been collaborating with Safran on computer vision on existing electro-optics, which will allow operators to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
-
![US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard prepares acquisition process of up to seven light icebreakers
The USCG plans to award a contract this year for the construction of Homeland Security Cutters. The new vessels will replace the 60-plus-year-old fleet of Light Icebreaking Tugs.
-
![RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity]()
RTX Raytheon enhances SM-3 and SM-6 production capacity
The expansion of the Redstone facility in Alabama will enable Raytheon to increase production of Standard Missiles in the location by 50% and support Washington in refilling stockpiles after recent operations have depleted the Pentagon’s reserves.
-
![What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement]()
What the rise of interoperability between Western allies means for defence procurement
Major naval initiatives including the European Patrol Corvette programmes and Norway’s UK partnership-focused purchase of Type 26 frigates point to the growing interest in the advantages of commonality across allied navies.
