NDP 2025: Tank that bumped into traffic light had faulty part

A Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) tank that bumped into a traffic light during a National Day Parade (NDP) National Education show was found to have a faulty component that led to the loss of steering and braking power.

Speaking to the media at an NDP media event on July 8, Colonel David Kwek, the co-chairman of the NDP 2025 Heartland Celebrations Committee, said preliminary investigations show that the incident resulted from "an isolated component" on the Leopard 2SG main battle tank (L2SG).

"Out of an abundance of caution, we are doing more detailed reviews and the L2SG will resume its participation in the NDP mobile column and the heartland celebrations after all the necessary safety checks and clearances are completed," he said.

The accident happened on July 5 during an NDP National Education show - a preview of the parade primarily for students. A video of the incident showed the tank unable to stop and bumping into a nearby traffic light when it made a right turn outside Parliament House and the Supreme Court.

No injuries were reported and the tank remained within the cordoned area, away from the public. The accident did minor damage to the traffic light, which was left askew, but which has since been repaired.

The tank is part of a mobile column, where military hardware is displayed, for NDP 2025.

The Ministry of Defence earlier said the L2SG tank had experienced a technical issue and that the accident came after the mobile column segment of the parade.

Col Kwek said the safety and well-being of the public and the crew are of paramount importance.

The Straits Times has asked the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) whether this was the first time the component had experienced failure and on the expected duration of the checks.

Mindef said it will give more details after the checks are done.