DSTA to ramp up robotics, AI, cyber capabilities amid shifting threat landscape

Senior leadership of DSTA including its chief executive (centre), seen during a September 2025 briefing that was held ahead of the agency's 25th anniversary. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) is set to intensify its focus on robotics, drones, autonomy, and artificial intelligence (AI), while also strengthening its cyber and digital information capabilities, in response to a rapidly evolving operating environment.

Speaking at a 16 September briefing attended by Janes, Ng Chad-Son, DSTA chief executive, outlined the agency's strategic direction in the years ahead amid growing technological disruption and asymmetric threats.

The briefing was held as part of events to commemorate the agency's 25th anniversary.

In the briefing, Ng noted that the proliferation of drones, robotics, and autonomous systems is becoming increasingly widespread in the physical domain, while the digital space is being reshaped by emerging threats such as cyber attacks and disinformation.

Ng also highlighted the impact of commercial dual-use technologies, which are now commonly seen on the battlefield and have introduced low-cost, high-impact solutions.

He cited the use of drones in Ukraine as a clear example of how such technologies are transforming modern warfare.

“So, these disruptions are quite top of mind, even as we think about what's ahead,” said Ng, who has been heading the agency since May 2024.

In response to these developments, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the wider defence technology community in the country, including DSTA, have adopted a new strategy built on three pillars namely agility, innovation, and resilience, Ng said.

This approach aims to enable the rapid adoption of fast-moving technologies, foster deeper collaboration with cyber partners, and ensure systems can withstand and recover quickly from disruptions.