Land, Sea and Sirens: Home Team's Mobile Column Guardians

PHOTOS: Toh Rui Hao, GRAPHIC: Desiree Seah

A Legacy of Service Through Generations
As Singapore marks its diamond jubilee, three Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officers are making history of their own. Being part of National Day Parade (NDP) 2025’s “Generation to Generation” segment, this year marks the first time SGT3 Khairul Azhar Bin Khairudin, his brother and their father are participating together in the mobile column. 

(From left) SGT3 Khairul Azhar Bin Khairudin, his father SWO1 Khairudin Bin Mohamed Ali and Khairul’s brother WO2 Muhammad Khairi Bin Khairudin. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Behind the wheel of the iconic Red Rhino, SGT3 Khairul Azhar leads the way, with SWO1 Khairudin (far right) as vehicle commander and WO2 Muhammad Khairi (back) as crew member. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Following in his father’s footsteps to work in SCDF has taught SGT3 Khairul one very valuable lesson about life: gratitude. “My lifesaving work with SCDF has given me a different perspective on life. These experiences serve as a daily reminder to appreciate the blessings we often take for granted and to approach each day with thankfulness.”

SGT3 Khairul operating the controller of the Red Rhino Robot. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

SGT3 Khairul drives the 6th Generation Light Fire Attack Vehicle (LF6G) in the mobile column. “In Singapore's urban environment, I find its enhanced mobility to be the most interesting feature," SGT3 Khairul explains. The compact emergency response vehicle, commonly known as the Red Rhino, is customised to navigate narrow streets and tight spaces between buildings. It's equipped with the second-generation Red Rhino Robot. 

SGT3 Khairul operating the second-generation Red Rhino Robot, a 172kg powerhouse that can project water up to 30 meters at 945 litres per minute. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

"The robot can be controlled remotely, allowing us to tackle dangerous situations from a safe distance, with modular attachments for casualty transportation and equipment transport," he adds.

SGT3 Khairul finds joy in unexpected places. "Sometimes, while driving on the road, we see the smiles and excitement of children and students as we pass by," he shares. "Their enthusiasm reminds us of the importance of our role in the community."

A New Era in Emergency Care
Meet SGT2 Christopher Leong, Paramedic Specialist Section Commander, who is participating in the Mobile Column for the first time after joining SCDF nearly four years ago. He commands the 2^nd Generation Medical Support Vehicle (MSV) in the NDP SG60 Mobile Column.

The 2nd Generation MSV showcases SCDF’s advancements in operational readiness and innovation. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Singaporeans will get a rare glimpse of one of SCDF’s most advanced assets, symbolising SCDF's readiness for scenarios they hope would never materialise. Usually reserved for rapid response during mass casualty incidents, the MSV plays a critical role in strengthening our national emergency response.

With its autonomous hydraulic systems, the MSV’s gullwing doors and awnings are automatically deployed on both sides to transform the vehicle into a secondary treatment area, which can accommodate up to eight patients simultaneously.

SGT2 Christopher shared that the storage compartments in the MSV (right) are stocked with a wide array of medical supplies, including an oxygen concentrator. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

While SGT2 Christopher has not used the MSV in a major mass casualty incident yet, he knows time is of the essence when treating several casualties in such an intense and fast-paced situation. 

SGT2 Christopher can easily retrieve portable equipment such as this from the MSV and bring it to where the casualty is at, to monitor the casualty's vital signs. PHOTO: Desiree Seah

“With the MSV activated and rapidly deployed, two treatment shelters can be set up. This would allow the SCDF Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and other medical teams to perform simultaneous treatments for several patients and stabilise casualties who require immediate medical attention."

The array of advanced equipment in the MSV allows SGT2 Christopher to maintain the highest standard of emergency readiness in a deployment. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

“For me, NDP 2025 is more than just a parade. It reflects the daily dedication of SCDF and many other agencies. Representing the new 2nd generation MSV in the Mobile Column is an honour, and I am proud to demonstrate to Singaporeans that SCDF is prepared, well-equipped and constantly evolving to meet new challenges of the future.”

High-Speed Shield of the Sea
For the first time in NDP history, the Mobile Column presents the maritime display at Marina Bay, featuring some exclusive assets on sea. Among the officers representing Police Coast Guard (PCG) in the Maritime Display is Inspector (INSP) Sean Quek, a seasoned veteran from the PCG Training Centre with 25 years of service.

At the NDP 2025 Maritime Display, PCG showcases the 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft, one of several that safeguard Singapore’s waters. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

During a typical patrol mission, INSP Sean and his team constantly scan the waters for intruders and conduct checks on suspicious vessels for prohibited items or unauthorised persons. 

With decades of service in PCG, INSP Sean is a steady hand at the controls of the patrol craft, defending Singapore’s waters with vigilance and pride. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

PCG officers maintain a visible deterrent presence and remain ever ready to respond to emergencies, ensuring that Singapore’s maritime domain stays secure and safe for all who rely on it.

The 3-Series PC Class Patrol Craft is built for interception operations, vessel boardings and rescue missions in shallow waters. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Navigating the busy sea traffic in Singapore’s waters is challenging, but INSP Sean never lets high-speed intruders off the hook.

“With advanced surveillance systems and faster Patrol Crafts, we can detect these unauthorised vessels early, intercept them efficiently and keep other sea users safe,” INSP Sean said.

Over the years, maritime policing has evolved with technology. Besides the patrol craft’s advanced radar and high-definition surveillance system that help detect suspicious vessels earlier for interception, the crafts now have better manoeuvrability and sea-keeping abilities, which provide PCG officers with better control during complex operations.

The advanced features in this latest series of high-speed patrol crafts help INSP Sean keep our waters safe and our shores guarded. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

“It’s a proud moment for PCG,” INSP Sean reflects. “It gives us a chance to show Singaporeans how far PCG has come – how our capabilities have grown with advanced technology and how we work tirelessly to keep Singapore waters safe and secured every single day.”

Resilient in Armour and Hearts
The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) of the Special Operations Command (SOC) responds to public order and security threats ranging from civil disturbances to anti-riot operations and high-risk security taskings.

Among its sophisticated fleet of vehicles, such as the more well-known “Ang Chia”, PTU also uses the all-black Tactical Strike Vehicle (TSV) to enhance troop protection and respond to public order and public security incidents.

The TSV was launched in 2023 to augment SOC’s tactical capabilities. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

The TSV, a heavily fortified vehicle, is designed with protective wire mesh to project the strength of PTU while protecting any occupants from external threats.  

It is also equipped with features like sensemaking cameras. When deployed, the TSV projects a strong police presence, acting as a deterrence to would-be perpetrators. 

The camera enables PTU officers to have a 720° view of the TSV’s surroundings to facilitate sensemaking and detect threats. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

Operating the TSV at this year’s Mobile Column is PTU officer Senior Staff Sergeant (SSS) Muhammad Azrie Bin Halimi.

SSS Azrie operates the TSV at the Mobile Column for NDP 2025. PHOTO: Toh Rui Hao

“As a TSV operator, I’m an integral part of SPF’s public order and public security response,” shares SSS Azrie. “We undergo vehicular tactics training to effectively utilise the TSV and its capabilities to neutralise the threat during operations. I coordinate closely with other PTU resources to carry out any public order or public security taskings, to achieve mission success.”

Officers like SSS Azrie undergo specialised Class 4 driver training, familiarisation driving lessons and different TSV systems operation trainings like surveillance and public warning systems to utilise the TSV effectively.

As the TSV rolled forward under the evening lights during the NDP rehearsal, the moment struck SSS Azrie as one he will remember for a long time. PHOTO: Peh Mingcheng

The pride in representing PTU at the Mobile Column hit home for SSS Azrie during the first full-strength rehearsal at the Padang. “It gave me a real sense of pride in what we are representing. We had trained for weeks - perfecting timing, spacing, and coordination. On that evening, everything went well.”

As the NDP crowd cheers during the Mobile Column segment, they are also cheering for the promise that the Home Team will keep Singapore safe and secure. These four Home Team officers from different units come together as One Home Team, sharing the same heartfelt pride in serving Singapore: the honour in representing their teams, their vehicles and the nation they protect.