Committee of Supply 2021 debate, Day 2: Ng Eng Hen on bigger defence budget due to delayed projects

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is spending more this financial year, as it spent less than planned last year due to delayed projects, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen. The ministry is expected to raise its spending to S$15.36 billion, up 12.7 per cent from S$13.63 billion in the last financial year. Speaking in Parliament on Monday (Mar 1), Dr Ng said this is the first time that MINDEF's budget will see a year-on-year double-digit growth since 1998. He said if the post-COVID recovery ensues, MINDEF expects its budget to stabilise.