Introductory Address

Ambassador Barry Desker, Dean of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) highlighted that the Asian security and airpower are inescapably intertwined. Regional security dynamics increasingly drive airpower needs, while developments in airpower – together with trends in naval power – increasingly influence and shape regional security in the military sphere. He noted that the emergence of China as a military and a political power and its impact on regional primacy of the United States, and consequently, on the future Sino-American strategic relationship will likely have the greatest impact on the future Asian security; this issue therefore bears the most scrutiny. He underlined that airpower increasingly entails more than just the purchase and operation of fighter jets, but also involves the application of numerous less visible air-based systems, including drones and unmanned vehicles, and air-to-air refuelling planes. Particularly in Asia, airpower also means the acquisition of advanced air-delivered precision-guided munitions, greatly expanding the range and destructive impact of regional air forces. Ambassador Desker concluded that these technological developments, together with new concepts for joint air and maritime operations – as epitomised in emerging U.S. “Air-Sea Battle” strategies – have important repercussions for regional security making.

Keynote Address

Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Defencenoted that with the rapid economic development and accompanying political and social developments, Asia Pacific is living in interesting times. Economic growth has lifted millions from poverty and improved the lives of many more. The fast changing regional demographics further add elements to the already interesting times. However, these very same factors can also cause nations to face competing demands for resources in order to meet the rising aspirations of their people. These factors can also lead to other contests in the perception of might. Rapid growth can breed confidence as much as assertiveness.

To navigate away from strife and towards shared interests, Minister Chan Chun Sing underlined the importance of wise and strong leaders who appreciate that there is much more to gain through cooperation than conflict. We also need courageous leaders who do not succumb to domestic pressures or nationalistic pursuits against the greater good of the region. We need leaders who do not succumb to the notion that might is right. The mark of a powerful country is not how it is able to use its might to get its way. The mark of a truly powerful country is how it is able to restrain itself and not have to use its might to get its way and yet convince others to come along its side.

The potential for tensions to spiral out of control in today’s strategic environment cannot be underestimated. As regional economies grow, countries have also gained the wherewithal to acquire more advanced war fighting platforms. Last year, for the first time, Asia spent more on defence than Europe, and this trend is projected to continue. For airpower in particular, there will be a temptation to use it as the instrument of choice in any contest or demonstration of national will, given the reach of airpower and the seeming ease of forward deployment to tackle threats and perceived threats away from population centres.