Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad highlighted the critical role of artificial intelligence in transforming aerospace and defence at the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference 2026
Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, delivered the opening address at the Singapore Aerospace Technology and Engineering Conference (SATEC) 2026 on 4 February 2026 in Singapore.
Speaking at the 12th edition of the biennial conference, Mr Zaqy welcomed senior officials, industry leaders and professionals from the aerospace engineering and technology community. He thanked the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Singapore Institute of Aerospace Engineers (SIAE) for organising the event.
Addressing the conference theme, “Embracing Disruption: AI in Aerospace Transformation and Innovation”, Mr Zaqy said artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept but is already reshaping civil aviation and military operations. He explained that AI is driving fundamental changes in how aircraft and air systems are designed, operated, maintained and supported.
Mr Zaqy outlined three strategic imperatives for embracing AI. From a military perspective, he noted that modern conflicts have shown the growing use of swarm drones, electronic warfare and multi-domain attacks, which demand faster decision-making than humans alone can manage. AI, he said, enables rapid data fusion, threat assessment and quicker responses, helping air forces remain operationally relevant.
For the civil aviation sector, Mr Zaqy highlighted ongoing challenges such as manpower shortages, congested airspace and ageing fleets. He said AI can improve productivity through predictive maintenance, smarter air traffic management and more resilient supply chains. He also pointed to geopolitical competition and technology restrictions as reasons why countries like Singapore must build technological resilience through AI adoption.
Mr Zaqy shared how the RSAF is translating AI disruption into transformation and innovation through three lines of effort. These include increasing trials and operational use of AI, advancing AI-enabled software to improve productivity, and deepening strategic partnerships with industry and academia. He cited examples such as Exercise Forging Sabre, collaboration with Anduril Industries, and the launch of the Design.AI Fab Lab with the Singapore University of Technology and Design.
He also encouraged industry-wide adoption of similar approaches, highlighting examples such as AI-powered security screening at Changi Airport, AI-driven maintenance by ST Engineering, and the CAAS–Thales International Avionics Lab.
In closing, Mr Zaqy said embracing AI is no longer optional for the aerospace sector. He stressed the importance of civil-military cooperation, talent development and responsible AI adoption, and noted that platforms like SATEC are key to fostering collaboration and innovation. He wished participants a fruitful conference and an enjoyable Singapore Airshow.
