From “mothership” drones to AI-driven mapping, Exercise Wallaby 2025 showcases Singapore’s bold leap into next-generation battlefield technology.
At the vast Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is transforming the way it fights and defends. During Exercise Wallaby 2025, the SAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) conducted their largest-ever field trials of drone and unmanned systems — testing everything from swarm operations to AI-powered terrain mapping.
Singapore’s Largest Drone Trials Yet
Over the skies of Shoalwater Bay, Australia — an area five times the size of Singapore — the SAF launched an ambitious series of 17 field trials during Exercise Wallaby 2025. Central to these trials was the deployment of more than 50 coordinated drones conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
According to Major Robert Justin Morales Naquila, Deputy Branch Head of the Ministry of Defence’s Future Systems and Technology Directorate, the trials mark a “significant leap forward” in the SAF’s integration of artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and advanced connectivity.
By testing new systems in realistic conditions, he said, “Soldiers gain hands-on experience, engineers refine designs, and commanders see how emerging technologies can enhance mission outcomes.”
Swarm Intelligence: One Operator, 200 Drones
The SAF’s latest breakthrough lies in its Low-Cost Unmanned Sense Strike Technology, allowing a single operator to control up to 200 drones simultaneously. These lightweight unmanned aircraft can map vast terrains, detect threats, and even simulate coordinated attacks — all without risking soldier safety.
At the 2025 exercise, a fleet of Parrot Anafi drones was deployed to scan the battlefield and create 3D terrain maps using the Tactical 3D Map Analysis Platform. Within an hour, the system successfully mapped an area 25 times larger than last year’s coverage — a massive leap in data-gathering efficiency.
“This allows our troops to see further and prepare for threats ahead,” said Military Expert 5 (ME5) Teo Liang Kai, Operational Field Trials Safety Lead.
The Rise of the “Mothership” Drone
A highlight of the trials was the debut of the DefendTex D155 “mothership” drone, capable of carrying up to eight DefendTex D40 mini drones. The larger D155 travels long distances before releasing the smaller units, which then conduct ISR operations independently.
This “drone within a drone” concept provides the SAF with flexible long-range surveillance, allowing smaller units to cover ground quickly without returning to base. Upon completing their tasks, each drone lands autonomously at pre-designated safe zones.
Tackling Manpower Challenges Through Technology
With Singapore’s shrinking manpower pool due to declining birth rates, automation has become a key military strategy. “Just one operator can now map an area faster and more efficiently than traditional methods,” said ME5 Teo.
The SAF’s “one-to-many” control system — where a single pilot operates an entire swarm — directly addresses manpower constraints while improving precision and safety. This not only multiplies operational capabilities but also protects the SAF’s most important asset: its soldiers.
Learning from Global Conflicts
The lessons of recent conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, have influenced Singapore’s drive toward unmanned systems and counter-drone strategies. Cai Jia Ling, Director of Capability Development for Land Systems at DSTA, emphasized that it is crucial for Singapore to stay updated.
“We need to keep up with the latest technology — it’s inevitable,” Cai said. The SAF is also experimenting with autonomous vehicles that jam enemy drones and 5G-enabled UAVs that can extend communication networks across large terrains.
A New Era for the Singapore Army
Exercise Wallaby 2025 represents more than just field testing — it’s a strategic evolution. With innovations like swarm drones, AI mapping, and autonomous ISR systems, the Singapore Army is positioning itself at the forefront of modern, technology-driven warfare.
As Captain Chloe Tan of the 6th Singapore Division noted, “This is the first time the Army has deployed its full force of six V15 drones to cover an area five times the size of Singapore.” The success of these trials could pave the way for scaled deployment across the SAF in the years ahead.
Exercise Wallaby 2025 underscores Singapore’s readiness for a new era of defence — one defined by smart technology, unmanned systems, and adaptive strategy. By merging human ingenuity with machine precision, the SAF is not only strengthening national defence but also shaping the future of regional military innovation.
Sources: AsiaOne (2025) , Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Singapore Army, Drones, Exercise Wallaby, Unmanned Systems, Military Technology, Swarm Operations
