Safti City Expands Military Training with Advanced Urban Warfare Simulation

“A newly developed military training ground in Safti City now features a realistic urban environment, including an integrated transport hub with an MRT station and bus interchange. The facility aims to provide Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) soldiers with an immersive and challenging training experience.

Corporal (CPL) Dhinesh Raj Jayaprakasam, one of over 3,000 military personnel who have trained in Safti City since its opening last October, described the facility as the closest experience to real combat conditions. Previously, he trained in less realistic environments, but the enhanced infrastructure now pushes soldiers to follow drills more rigorously.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen officially launched the first phase of Safti City’s development, highlighting its role in preparing troops for urban operations. He described the facility as an unprecedented initiative that strengthens the SAF’s ability to train soldiers effectively in complex environments.

Among the key features is the Poyan MRT station, a simulated stop on a fictional transport line. To enhance realism, decommissioned MRT trains provided by the Land Transport Authority have been installed, complete with functioning lights, ventilation, and operational doors for forced-entry exercises. These carriages, originally used on the North-South and East-West lines, were repurposed in December 2024.

Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Darius Kwa, head of the training capability development branch, explained that training in public MRT stations often causes disruptions, making Safti City’s dedicated facilities a significant advantage. Soldiers from the 5th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (5SIR), noted that the high-rise structures and intricate road networks present a greater challenge than conventional training locations.

Beyond its physical infrastructure, Safti City integrates smart technology, deploying 11,000 sensors across the facility to monitor soldier movements and interactions. The laser-based Tactical Engagement System (TES) allows troops to engage with their surroundings, triggering simulated structural damage when fired upon. Battlefield effect simulators further enhance training by producing smoke, sound effects, and shockwave impacts.

Captain (CPT) Dilys Choo, a platoon trainer, emphasised the benefits of the high-tech environment, noting that soldiers now train in conditions that closely resemble real-world urban landscapes. She expressed hope that the facility will improve tactical awareness and foundational skills for troops operating in complex city environments.

Safti City derives its name from the original Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute, established in 1966 at Pasir Laba Camp.”