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Over the years, the threats in the digital domain have grown in scale and sophistication, requiring the SAF to organise ourselves in more effective ways to tackle these evolving threats. This is a timeline of how our defence system has built up structures and capabilities in this new frontier, finally culminating in the establishment of the DIS.
Deployment to Afghanistan
2010-2013

The SAF deployed the Imagery Analysis Teams (IAT) from the Imagery Support Group (ISG) to Afghanistan in support of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The ISG develops and operates the SAF’s imagery and geospatial capabilities, providing relevant imagery reports and maps, as well as imagery and geospatial analysis support.
Inauguration of the C4I Community
2012

Then-Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the inauguration of the SAF’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) Community at Pasir Laba Camp. He highlighted the importance of this community in supporting the networks that provide the SAF with its information superiority. This inauguration marks a key milestone in the 3rd Generation SAF's transformation into a networked and knowledge-enabled force.
Establishment of Defence Cyber Organisation (DCO)
2017

The Defence Cyber Organisation (DCO) was established to drive cybersecurity across the Defence Sector, which comprises six sub-sectors: the SAF, MINDEF, DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, Defence Industry, and MINDEF-Related Organisations (MROs). Working closely with the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA), it provides the expertise and resources to support response and recovery operations in times of national crisis.
Inauguration of the SAF C4 Command
2017

The SAF C4 Command was set up to coordinate and implement C4 and cyber defence operations and capabilities. It operates and defends critical defence networks that support a full spectrum of SAF operations in both peace and war.
Creation of Cyber NSF Work-Learn Programme
2018

MINDEF launched the Cyber Work-Learn Scheme (WLS), which taps on the nation’s best cyber talents from the Full-time National Service (NSF) pool, to serve as cyber specialists under the DIS. Selected national servicemen serve for three to four years, and are trained to deal with advanced cyber threats, engage in real-world cyber security operations, and contribute to the national cyber ecosystem.
Creation of C4 Expert and Defence Cyber Expert Scheme
2019

To develop a highly skilled cyber workforce, MINDEF/SAF have created the uniformed Command, Control, Communications and Computers Expert (C4X) vocation for military personnel, and Defence Cyber Expert (DCX) job specialisation for non-uniformed personnel. The C4X and DCX personnel will work together with cyber NSFs (Full-time National Servicemen) to defend MINDEF/SAF's systems.
Establishment of Counter-Terrorism Intelligence Group
2020

The SAF stood up the CTIG to raise, train and sustain personnel, capabilities and expertise for Counter-Terrorism Intelligence and Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) in the SAF.
Inauguration of the C4I Wing in Officer Cadet School
2020

At the commissioning of the 117/19 Officer Cadet Course, then-Deputy Prime Minister and then-Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat announced the inauguration of the C4I Wing in OCS, slated to take place in September of that year. He referred to the officiation of the Wing as another step towards deepening our cyber defence capabilities.
Establishment of the Cybersecurity Task Force
2020

MINDEF/SAF sets up the Cybersecurity Task Force (CSTF), under the command of Chief C4I. The CSTF allows for centralised command and control by bringing together various cyber units from MINDEF/SAF to conduct cybersecurity operations across the Defence Sector. The CSTF is later inaugurated in Jan 2022.
Creation of Digital Work-Learn Scheme
2022

MINDEF launched the Digital Work-Learn Scheme to tap on the nation’s digital talents to meet the ever-increasing AI and digitalisation needs. The Digital Specialists under this Scheme are trained to develop AI applications and perform software engineering tasks in support of MINDEF/SAF operations over a 4-year period.
Inauguration of the Digital and Intelligence Service
2022

The inauguration of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) was officiated by then-President Halimah Yacob on 28 Oct 2022 at the SAFTI Military Institute. Its establishment marks a key milestone in the transformation of the Next-Generation SAF. Entrusted to defend the peace and security of Singapore, the DIS protects against a full spectrum of external threats including those in the digital domain.
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