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What is singapore swing?

What would happen if Singapore declared war & launched an invasion campaign against Indonesia?

  • Would Indonesia be able to repel against invasion? What kind of war doctrine and strategy would implement? What's the implication of this scenario? Inspired by

  • Answer:

    Singapore does not want a war. Having a war would mean lots and lots of trouble for Singapore. Should Singapore mobilize it's army it would shut down the beating heart of it's economy, because everyone would stop working and go to fight. Singapore has a large army but it is a conscript army ready to be called out when war occurs. Israel has the same problem when it mobilizes - I think that was one reason they started the 6 day war, their army could not be mobilized forever. War is also expensive, while Singapore has a lot of military might and money it would be a major risk to their financial reserves. It also makes lots of enemies as well. If there were a war trade in the area would collapse.  All that shipping would start going South to avoid the war zone. Then Singapore can not commit it's full army. Troops must be kept in reserve should Malaysia decide to get involved. (let's presume that they are neutral). Singapore does have amphibious warfare ships, but there are only 4 of them. Indonesia also has a large navy, and military. A blockade of ships going to Singapore would be very cripling for Singapore. And while Singapore could buy from Malaysia, this would be  a cost and they might not allow arms to pass through.  Indonesia's best defense is that it is too big. While I think Singapore could take the islands to the South and hold them taking the whole country and occupying it would be a major strain. It would require significant local support (unlikely), or a big ally (The USA is tired of war, and China is not likely to get involved). The outcome for Singapore is major economic damage. Pariah status for years. Losing a war with no justification would put the PAP at a major risk of being thrown out of power. Singapore's strong army serves one major purpose - deterrence. Everyone knows that it is strong and will put up a determined resistance or strike out hard should war come. But without significant outside logistical support it can not fight a long war and would lose.

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Singapore may have a good preparation in national defense, they also have military reserve, but i don't think they have enough logistics and manpower to invade Indonesia. Worst Scenario: The worst scenario is they will fight in an asymmetric war, where Indonesia deploy guerrilla strategy to exhaust and bleed the invaders to dry. Indonesia's geographical landscape is suitable for guerrilla war, and they have done this in independence war. It will be tough to handle. Singapore may bring some damage, but without any support from big allies, they won't be able to takeover the whole country. Meanwhile their economy would be crippling paying for the war. Best Scenario: The best scenario is by proxy war. Exploit any potential conflict in Indonesia. There's many issue you can develop: Socioeconomic inequality, Religion and culture, ideology, basically anything. Disintegration for example. Support both Indonesia and the separatist (separately, of course) and let them fight each other. When they're both exhausted and bleed out, then you can proceed to attack. Or, alternatively, you can sit and wait then join the winning side. Whoever wins, you've become a respected friend. Your influence is now much bigger than ever. Better than direct invasion right? Like Sun Tzu said "All warfare is based on deception".

Nuel Pratama Sitanggang

If Singapore do it without any support from the big guns (US, China or Russia), Singaporean should reconsider their democratic system since it has provided them with idiotic politicians/leader. As far as Indonesia concern: go ahead, make our day. I will give one of out many reasons why: When two parties starts their bombing campaign, Indonesian has many options of escape routes while Singaporean has virtually none. Both countries' infrastructure will surfer at almost the same level of magnitude. But for Indonesia, thanks to her sheer size of area and population, can easily maintain her political economical system by moving her affairs to unaffected area while Singapore has no such luxury.

Faisal Aja

It's a ridiculous question for several reasons, not least of which is the absurd idea of a tiny nation of 4.5 million huddled onto a 240 square mile rock, trying to even manage, let alone conquer another island nation, possessing nearly a quarter billion people, living on 700,000 square miles of islands, stretching across nearly 2,000 miles!

Mat Delano

The last thing Singapore would need to do is to declare war on a country that is rotting from the inside. What is more likely is that we bail them out somehow and voila no need for invasion.

Raj Kiran

I am a Corporal, and a National Serviceman of the Singapore Armed Forces. Singapore's policy since day one of independence has always been diplomacy and deference. Singapore makes friends and has excellent diplomatic and military ties with many countries around the world, including America, Australia, China, France, Germany, Finland, Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. Our armed forces is to deter aggression from another country, and to ensure a swift and decisive victory if the ineluctable were to happen. Hence, Singapore will NOT declare a war and launch an invasion against Indonesia.

Anonymous

Indonesia will burn forest in Sumatra until Singapore agree to sign cease fire. No bullet is needed. :)

Ridwan Nurhayat

it would be a disaster for singapore to attacked indonesia.if singapore will succeed do you think the indons will just sit there in just watch they will counter attacked at singapoer itself in thats the end of singapore.indonesia can massed millions of troops that singapore cannot hold on in singapore will be finished...coz singapore troops are not the leaque of israelis or brits.

Jojo Brillantes

well.. the answer is BIG MISTAKE... or FATALITY for singapore.. Uh, just for a remainder.. Remember 3.. ONLY 3 Indonesian Task Forces were sent to singapore (Usman Harun) and they were success to blow up some buildings.. Indonesian Special force is one of the best in the world.. Indonesian has more combat aircraft, more tanks, more naval power... I think.. Singapore has no chance without Allies..,

Rino Takkan Mati

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