US, Singapore Forge New Defense Technology Partnership

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has announced the signing of a statement of intent for U.S.-Singapore cooperation in defense data analytics and artificial intelligence deployment. 

Signed by the Department of Defense’s chief digital and artificial intelligence officer and Singapore’s deputy defense secretary for technology, the SOI will promote ethical AI use and interoperability of U.S. and Singapore armed forces, Austin, a Wash100 awardee, noted. The new agreement was disclosed during a meeting that the Pentagon hosted for visiting Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen, the DOD said.

The SOI, which defines the key areas for collaboration, such as quality data and responsible AI development, will enable the U.S. and Singaporean defense agencies to conduct technology discussions and exchange best AI and data analytics practices, according to the DOD.

In June, Doug Beck, the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit head, signed a memorandum of agreement with his Singaporean counterpart to foster closer partnership on defense technologies focusing on maritime security and counter-drone systems, including commercial applications.

In a statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the new SOI builds on its long-established defense technology collaboration with DOD, which is in line with the 2005 U.S.-Singapore Strategic Framework Agreement and Defense Cooperation Agreement and the 2015 Enhanced DCA. Ng visited the United States to speak at the Aspen Security Forum scheduled from July 16 to 19 in Colorado, Mindef noted.