Singapore Armed Forces deploy swarm-capable micro drones to enhance operational readiness in Idaho
At Exercise Forging Sabre in the United States, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) introduced a fleet of advanced mini drones designed to strengthen battlefield resilience and mission success.
Expanding Capabilities at Forging Sabre
Held from September 6 to 21 at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, Exercise Forging Sabre is the SAF’s most complex overseas training drill. The airspace—20 times the size of Singapore—provides a unique environment to test new technologies in realistic combat conditions. More than 800 SAF personnel are participating this year.
Introduction of Mini Drones
For the first time, SAF’s newly formed Drone Rapid Operationalisation, Integration and Deployment (DROID) unit is trialling micro drones. Three platforms are in use: the Ascent Spirit, Skydio X10, and Neros Archer. Together, they form a “multi-tier concept,” combining complementary strengths with manned platforms to improve battlefield intelligence and resilience.
Ascent Spirit: Swarm Capability
The Ascent Spirit stands out for its autonomous swarm function, enabled by a Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) algorithm. The 1.8kg drone can fly for up to 53 minutes, reach speeds of 65kmh, and operate at altitudes of 5,000m. Multiple units can divide search areas and locate targets independently, reducing reliance on human operators.
Skydio X10 and Neros Arche
The Skydio X10 excels in obstacle avoidance and GPS-denied navigation, with 128x zoom and flight endurance of 40 minutes. Slightly larger at 2.11kg, it can reach speeds of 72kmh. Meanwhile, the Neros Archer prioritises speed and resilience against communication jamming. Capable of surpassing 100kmh, it can carry payloads of 2kg across 20km, making it the fastest among the three.
Field Testing and Adaptability
According to Lieutenant-Colonel Tay Cheng Chuan, commanding officer of DROID, each drone offers unique strengths for different scenarios. By integrating their data into command post software, operators can make quicker and more informed decisions. Jeremy Wong, head of UAS Innovation at DSTA, highlighted that the Ascent Spirit’s algorithm is continuously refined during the exercise, with feedback enabling real-time hardware and software upgrades.
Broader Impact of Drone Integration
The SAF’s adoption of off-the-shelf drones enhanced with local innovation highlights a cost-efficient and adaptive approach to modern warfare. The Idaho trials showcase Singapore’s ability to integrate advanced technologies rapidly, ensuring readiness against evolving threats. For Indonesia and Singapore, such advancements underscore a shared emphasis on regional security and the strategic use of innovation in military preparedness.
The deployment of swarm-capable micro drones at Exercise Forging Sabre demonstrates how Singapore is pushing the boundaries of military technology. By combining commercial platforms with local innovation, the SAF strengthens its adaptability and resilience. These developments reflect broader trends in Southeast Asia, where nations like Indonesia and Singapore are investing in advanced technologies to safeguard their futures in increasingly complex security landscapes.
Sources: Straits Times (2025) , AsiaOne (2025)
Keywords: SAF Drones, Ascent Spirit, Skydio X10, Neros Archer, Forging Sabre, Drone Warfare
