SINGAPORE – The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has launched SAFTI City, a state-of-the-art urban warfare training ground designed to prepare soldiers for the complexities of modern city combat. Unveiled by Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, the sprawling facility features high-rise buildings, decommissioned MRT trains, and battlefield effects to simulate real-life operational environments.
A Hyper-Realistic Training Ground
SAFTI City, located in western Singapore, spans multiple hectares and comprises 71 buildings, including 43 mid- to high-rise structures that mimic dense cityscapes. The facility enables up to two battalions, or approximately 1,200 soldiers, to train simultaneously in urban operations. Designed to closely resemble Singapore’s landscape, the city includes mock hospitals, schools, transport hubs, and residential buildings to create a realistic urban battlefield.
“SAFTI City is a physical manifestation of realism in training, ensuring our soldiers are well-prepared for modern warfare,” said Dr Ng during the launch ceremony. “Urban operations will increasingly play a role in military conflicts worldwide.”
Decommissioned MRT Trains and Advanced Battle Simulations
One of the most innovative features of SAFTI City is its MRT station and decommissioned trains, integrated to simulate high-risk hostage rescues and counter-terrorism scenarios. Named Poyan Station, the underground-like setting allows soldiers to practice navigating tight, enclosed spaces—a key challenge in urban warfare.
The MRT trains, formerly part of Singapore’s North-South and East-West Lines, were decommissioned in 2023 and repurposed for the training site. Soldiers will engage in close-quarters combat inside the train cabins, replicating potential terrorist threats in real-life transport settings.
SAFTI City also features “shoot-through walls”—structures that crumble upon impact when fired at—adding to the realism of combat scenarios. Motion-sensing automated targets, blasts, and smoke simulators further enhance battlefield conditions, forcing soldiers to react to dynamic environments.
Realistic Warfare Effects and Technology-Driven Training
To create an immersive combat environment, SAFTI City includes:
- 11,000 battlefield sensors tracking soldier movements.
- Blast simulators, smoke generators, and sound effects mimicking real-world firefights.
- Tactical drones and unmanned ground vehicles (Q-UGVs) for reconnaissance and urban patrolling.
- Artificial Intelligence-assisted training modules, which provide real-time data and feedback to improve performance.
Trainers can control battlefield elements via a mobile tablet, including locking or unlocking doors, activating sound effects, and adjusting lighting conditions to simulate different times of day.
“Soldiers must be able to process distractions, such as loud explosions, while carrying out their missions,” said 3rd Warrant Officer Noor Hasif Ahmad, one of the trainers leading exercises in the facility. “This level of training significantly enhances their ability to operate under pressure.”
Future Expansions and Global Recognition
The launch of SAFTI City marks the completion of Phase 1, with Phase 2 set to introduce an industrial complex and a ferry terminal—expanding training capabilities even further. No timeline for Phase 2 completion has been provided yet.
Dr Ng highlighted that foreign militaries have expressed admiration for SAFTI City’s cutting-edge realism. “International defense experts are amazed that we have committed to building such a facility at this scale,” he noted. “It sets a new benchmark for urban warfare training globally.”
Preparing for Modern Threats
With urban conflicts becoming more prevalent worldwide, Singapore’s investment in SAFTI City reflects its commitment to national security and counter-terrorism preparedness. By simulating real-world environments, the facility ensures that SAF soldiers are ready for the evolving nature of combat—from large-scale urban warfare to high-risk hostage rescue missions.
The new training grounds are expected to accommodate up to 20,000 soldiers annually, reinforcing Singapore’s defense capabilities in homeland security, disaster relief, and counter-terrorism.
For more updates on SAFTI City and Singapore’s military advancements, visit the MINDEF website or follow Channel NewsAsia’s latest coverage.
