If that's the case, why stop at US$5-6Billion a year, then increase some more. Currently we are only spending 5% of GDP. Saudi Spent 10%. Double our expenditure immediately to US$10-12Billion...
If that is not "deterrent" enough, triple it to 15% of GDP, US$15-18Billion a year....
Sounds strong enough for you?
Dear Kojakbt,
Just for entertainment purposes.
If I am not mistaken, there is already a regional arms race that happened since the day Singapore was independent.
And the wealthier it get, the larger portion of it's budget is allocated to Defense.
For me, I am already an old fuck already, cannot charge up penkang hill, not even a gentle hill...
A country have to be strong in national defense first, BEFORE it can prosper.
That's how the roman empire grow. They have an army, way ahead of it's time, and it's counterparts barbarians in Europe then... and middle east... Roman empire even stretched to the northern portion of Africa.
and that's how roman back then have conquered 25% of the world.
(Not suggesting to say that Singapore is planning for world domination, however, to say that SGP is protecting itself from TAKE OVER)
To have a weak defense, would mean vulnerability against any attack from neighboring countries, eying on the goldmine. (in our context, our goldmine is our pristine economic infrastructure)
So the defense budget is solely reliant on the Government.
I don't know how much is enough, honestly... in order to know, I need to be at least be in the General's Position before I could have all these sensitive data, which I am already NOT qualified for, due to age, and qualifications.
However, transparency on the defense budget will leave the defense itself VULNERABLE to spies, enemies, etc...
A lot of you people in Singapore are well educated, however, I am really surprise on the part that you are not THINKING...
Leading me to a conclusion that most people in Singapore went through a great education system, however, failed to acquire the critical thinking abilities that really make you different.
Anyways, just my thinking... I believe the price to pay for national defense is a no.1 priority for any sovereign nation, and defense should not be reliant on other nation... worst is when you have no defense... read the history of mankind, perhaps you'll understand more.
One recommendation is History Channel and National Geography, so far these Channels provide a very good Historical Summary of mankind's arms race... the part on global peace is just a facade, every nation on earth are stocking up their weapons, and getting ready... just look around you.
remember, just for entertainment value, not to be taken seriously.