Singapore’s defence planners envision the Next-Generation SAF to build upon existing conventional capabilities, while having the flexibility and robustness to employ novel operational and organisational concepts to exploit breakthrough technologies for national defence — all under conditions of increased strategic uncertainty. But ultimately, the same strategic logic to create viable defence options and political effects applies, Asst Prof Michael Raska from RSIS wrote in a commentary. In this context, the key lesson from past military innovations is this: breakthroughs in technology alone will not guarantee successful innovation.