SINGAPORE: A Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) that collided with a traffic light during a National Day Parade (NDP) education show experienced a rare technical fault, according to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
In a statement issued on 11 July 2025, MINDEF said this is the first time the Singapore Army has encountered a technical issue within its Leopard 2SG fleet.
The incident occurred on 5 July 2025, at around 7.20pm, along North Bridge Road.
The tank was turning right outside Parliament House and the Supreme Court following the Mobile Column segment of the NDP National Education (NE) Show 2 when it failed to stop and struck a traffic light.
Footage of the incident showed the tank moving forward during the turn and bumping into the traffic light.
No injuries were reported. The tank remained within the cordoned area and did not pose any danger to the public.
According to MINDEF, the affected L2SG was travelling below the 20km/h speed limit and its crew adhered to standard operating procedures.
The vehicle sustained no damage, while the traffic light suffered minor damage and has since been repaired.
Internal transmission fault led to partial loss of steering and braking power
MINDEF’s investigation established that an internal component within the tank’s transmission had malfunctioned.
Specifically, the conduit for the transmission fluid to the service brake failed, resulting in a loss of transmission oil pressure.
This caused a partial loss of steering and braking power in the service brake system.
The operator of the tank, a full-time National Serviceman, responded by following the correct procedure and activated the parking brake to bring the tank to a stop.
The transmission’s original equipment manufacturer, RENK GmbH, confirmed that this type of malfunction had not been previously reported. The company will work with the Singapore Army to strengthen maintenance measures for the affected component to prevent any recurrence.
MINDEF assured the public that all Mobile Column assets, including the L2SGs, undergo thorough checks before deployment.
No issues were detected with the affected tank before it left for the parade segment.
Following the incident, comprehensive checks were carried out across the entire L2SG fleet as a precaution.
These checks confirmed that the problem was an isolated one and that all other tanks are in good working condition.
MINDEF confirmed that with the fault identified and rectified, and additional preventive steps taken, the Leopard 2SG tanks will continue to participate in National Day Parade 2025.
The ministry reiterated that the safety and well-being of the public and military personnel remain a top priority.
It emphasised that crews are trained to handle such situations and to follow established safety procedures.
Members of the public have been reminded to comply with instructions from road marshals and to maintain a safe distance from military vehicles during rehearsals and parades.
The Leopard 2SG is a key component of Singapore’s Mobile Column, which showcases the country’s military capabilities during the annual National Day Parade.
The incident has not dampened plans for the parade, with MINDEF affirming that additional checks and a strengthened maintenance regime will help ensure the continued safety and reliability of the tanks.
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