# Man in the loop a must when using AI in defence

- Date: 2026-06-26
- Added: 2026-06-28
- Who: Chan Chun Sing (Minister for Defence, Singapore) · The Straits Times
- Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9Dnbumn1Bg
- sgai: https://sgai.md/videos/v067/
- License: sgai-authored content (summaries, translations, analysis) is CC BY 4.0 — attribute and link to sgai.md. Verbatim source text (Hansard, speeches, transcripts, policy documents) remains © its original rights holders and is reproduced for reference only. Terms: https://github.com/meltflake/sgai/blob/main/DATA-LICENSE.md

## Why it matters

Chan Chun Sing clearly states in June 2026 that Singapore's military AI applications will maintain human veto authority rather than full autonomy, setting the tone for defence AI governance

## Summary

Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing argues that humans must remain in control of decision-making when AI is used in military operations.

## Full text

© The Straits Times — reproduced for reference only.

There are many things that AI can do. They can help us to speed up the process which we interpret information, acquire targets, select the weapon system to get the target effects. All that is part of automation. Some people call it AI, some people we call it the Excel spreadsheet, but it is how you make decisions better and faster. But what is invariant in all these processes that we design is that >> [clears throat] >> you must have what we call the man in the loop. Right? So, not so much to slow down the process, but you must have put it into your processes that you cannot have a what we call the dereliction of duty where you just pass on this tools and algorithm that you do not understand. So, that is our operating philosophy.

But for me, >> [clears throat] >> I will do what I can with the resources that the public have entrusted to MINDEF and SAF to get the best equipment for my soldiers because if ever they go into operations, I want my people to have the best chance of success. But ultimately, the best chance of success is not just about the kind of equipment that we have, but it is also the vigilance, the training, and the commitment of our people that makes us stand out.