Action-packed defence display at Padang for NDP2024

For the first time ever, Singaporeans can watch the Dynamic Defence Display (D3) during the National Day Parade (NDP) at the Padang.

In celebration of TD40 (40 years of Total Defence), this year's D3 will feature an integrated whole-of-government and community response to threats across Singapore's air, land, sea, digital and civil domains.

This four-part segment involves 40 assets and over 400 participants and supporting personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team.

Taking part for the first time in the D3 is national water agency Public Utilities Board (PUB), which will demonstrate the provision of temporary water supply during disruptions, highlighting the resilience of Singapore's water supply system.

The TD40 D3 will also see the inaugural participation of the Singapore Red Cross, which will emphasise the community's role in responding to disruptions and crises.  

Bringing the display to all at the Bay

For those who can't get a seat at the Padang, fret not.

This display will be expanded to the Marina Basin area, allowing the public to catch the maritime assets from Marina Bay, as well as watch the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) AH-64D Apache Attack Helicopter fly past towards the Padang.

The TD40 D3 is a reminder to Singaporeans that we all play a part in keeping Singapore safe, said TD40 D3 Chairman Major (MAJ) Ng Wei Yang.

"A key highlight for this year's display is the role of the community in keeping Singapore strong and resilient against disruption and crisis. It will demonstrate our capabilities and collective commitment to safeguard Singapore and inspire Singaporeans to play their part in TD."

As part of the 360-degree experience, the TD40 D3 will showcase vehicles and performers getting up close and personal with the audience.

Think vehicles such as the Singapore Army's Light Strike Vehicles (LSVs) approaching the crowd at fast speed, and personnel coming through the stands amongst the audience.

"The LSVs will perform high-speed, criss-cross manoeuvres towards the crowd. That's sure to keep them on the edge of their seats," said 3rd Warrant Officer (3WO) Jonathan Mark Garnell. The 38-year-old is the Sergeant Major of the LSV crew in TD40 D3.

Leading with pride

This year's Parade and Ceremony (P&C) segment – titled "United We Stand" – aims to highlight the strength of a united Singapore and features more than 2,100 participants of diverse backgrounds.

Apart from enjoying old NDP favourites like the State Flag Flypast and "Salute to the Nation" bomb burst, Singaporeans can look forward to new experiences such as the first Onward March in NDP, which will add to the 360-degree experience at the Padang this year.

The P&C segment has been a mainstay since the first NDP in 1966, and remains a much-loved part of the parade, symbolising the nation's strength and progress, said P&C Chairman Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Lau Kai Heng Anthony.

"This year's focus is on our people, (about) people from all walks of life, coming together as one united people to celebrate our nation's progress and express our love for Singapore."

For Parade Commander Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Roger Cheong and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Mohamed Ayub Bin Said Abdul Kader, leading the NDP has been a dream come true.

MWO Mohamed Ayub, 42, is further driven by the enthusiasm of the parade participants. "The commitment, dedication and passion that is exhibited by all the parade participants fuels me. It inspires me to do better and be a better version of myself so that I can be on par with them."

LTC Cheong, 44, agreed: "Seeing people from all walks of life coming together to form the big picture really motivates me. They form the strength and unity of the nation."

For Specialist Cadet Trainee (SCT) Md Khairul Ameer, taking part in NDP has been a family pride – his parents participated in NDP back in the 1980s, and his brother was involved in NDP 2020.

"They were a source of motivation for me to join NDP and persevere through the demanding and taxing training," said the 24-year-old Electrical Control System specialist from the Naval Military Experts Institute in Maritime Training and Doctrine Command. He will be marching in the Republic of Singapore Navy Marching Contingent.

"(Despite the struggle), it's been a fruitful journey for me as I'll get to be centre stage at the parade come 9 Aug."

As for Military Expert (ME) ME4A Wong Jia Yao, coming back to the parade as part of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) Guard of Honour (GOH) contingent is a familiar yet exciting experience.

"There's definitely a lot more responsibility since we are nearer to the crowd in the first row. But it also feels the same, being back in the Parade and just marching," said the 20-year-old, who first marched in the Girl Guides' contingent back in secondary school.

When the band comes marching in

What's a parade without some music?

This year, the military tattoo combined band will see the largest number of schools and organisations coming together to put on a musical extravaganza.

Nine entities, including the SAF Band, three secondary schools, the SAF Military Police Silent Precision Drill Squad and the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Command Band, will be taking part. This also marks the return of the NCC Precision Drill Squad after five years.

For the first time, the military tattoo combined band will present the first NDP Military Tattoo music piece jointly composed by a military personnel and a civilian.

Titled "Strength in Diversity", this piece is a joint effort of drummer ME1 Gordon Tan and 15-year-old music prodigy Nathanael Koh Boon Yew. This also marks the latter's first involvement in NDP.