During a joint Chinese-Singaporean army exercise in 2025, a clear picture emerged of how urban warfare is developing rapidly. (Drones and robots) In SAFTI City, Singapore’s advanced high-rise training facility for military operations in urban areas, units of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) trained together on counter-terrorism operations. What makes this exercise special is not so much that they trained together, but how: unmanned systems are visibly taking the lead.
Robots first, soldiers second
Video footage of the exercise shows a striking sequence that goes to the heart of modern military doctrine. Before infantry enter a building, an armed robot dog is sent inside first. The four-legged unmanned ground vehicle, fitted with a firearm, reconnoitres rooms, identifies threats and can apply force immediately. Only then do the human soldiers follow.
This is an important turning point. For the first time we see a regular defence force – and not just in experimental test set-ups – explicitly letting a robot take the first step in an urban clearing operation. The aim is clear: drastically reducing risks for soldiers. Urban warfare is among the most dangerous forms of conflict, with short lines of sight, hidden opponents and a constant threat of ambush. By letting robots make first contact, the number of casualties can be considerably reduced.
Drones as an extension of the infantryman
In addition to ground robots, drones play a central role in the exercise. One of the most telling moments is when a soldier launches a drone from his hand. This compact, hand-launched drone flies straight at the target and takes it out – in this case a practice dummy. It shows how easy and quick drone use has become: no launch platform, no extensive preparation, but direct support for the infantryman at street level.
This type of drone acts as eyes, ears and – if necessary – a weapon. In counter-terrorism scenarios, where seconds make the difference, this gives an enormous tactical advantage. It is also a signal that drones are no longer just reconnaissance tools, but full members of the combat team.
SAFTI City as a realistic test environment
The choice of SAFTI City is no coincidence. This training city is specially designed to recreate the complexity of modern metropolises, including high-rise buildings, narrow streets, lifts and courtyards. For Singapore, a densely populated city-state, this is a logical focus. For China, it offers a valuable environment to gain experience with high-rise operations outside its own territory, together with a technologically advanced partner.
More than just training
Although official statements speak of cooperation, knowledge exchange and counter-terrorism, this exercise also carries a clear strategic message. China shows that it is well advanced in integrating manned and unmanned systems, while Singapore confirms its role as a regional hub for modern military training.
More broadly, this exercise fits a worldwide trend. Armies are investing heavily in drones, robots and AI-supported systems, but what stands out here is how operationally mature the use already looks. This is not a concept video or vision of the future; this is a realistic exercise with real units in a real urban environment.
Outlook
The joint Chinese-Singaporean training shows that the future of urban warfare has already begun. Drones launched from the hand, robot dogs entering a building first and infantry working with unmanned systems as if it were the most natural thing. These are developments that not only offer tactical advantages, but also have a moral dimension: every robot that takes over a dangerous task can save human lives.
For defence observers worldwide, this is an exercise to watch closely. What is shown here could well become the standard for urban operations in the coming years.
