Page last updated on February 08, 2019

Military expenditures:
3.12% of GDP (2017)
3.35% of GDP (2016)
3.16% of GDP (2015)
3.11% of GDP (2014)
3.09% of GDP (2013)
country comparison to the world: 26
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]

Military branches:
Singapore Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Air Force (includes Air Defense) (2013)

Military service age and obligation:
18-21 years of age for male compulsory military service; 16 1/2 years of age for volunteers; 2-year conscript service obligation, with a reserve obligation to age 40 (enlisted) or age 50 (officers) (2012)

Maritime threats:
the International Maritime Bureau reports the territorial and offshore waters in the South China Sea as high risk for piracy and armed robbery against ships; numerous commercial vessels have been attacked and hijacked both at anchor and while underway; hijacked vessels are often disguised and cargo diverted to ports in East Asia; crews have been murdered or cast adrift; the Singapore Straits saw four attacks against commercial vessels in 2017, a slight increase over the two attacks in 2016