On July 5, 2025, a Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) was involved in a minor incident during the second National Education (NE) show for the National Day Parade (NDP) 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 7:20pm along North Bridge Road, shortly after the tank participated in the Mobile Column segment of the show.
According to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the tank experienced a technical issue that resulted in it coming into contact with a traffic light stand near Parliament House. Video footage of the event, which later circulated online, shows the tank making a right turn when it strikes the traffic light. The vehicle is then seen pausing and reversing slightly before completing the turn, leaving the traffic light visibly tilted.
MINDEF clarified that no personnel were injured during the incident. The tank remained entirely within the designated cordoned-off zone throughout the event, posing no danger to the public. It was also reported that the vehicle was moving within the prescribed speed limit of 20 kilometres per hour at the time of the incident.
Following the incident, the tank crew responded appropriately, adhering to standard operating procedures to manage the situation. MINDEF confirmed that the Leopard 2SG tank was safely recovered, sustained no damage, and was returned without the need for further technical intervention.
The affected traffic light stand, however, did sustain minor structural damage. Repairs were swiftly coordinated and completed in partnership with the Land Transport Authority (LTA), with MINDEF and the NDP 2025 Executive Committee working jointly to ensure the infrastructure was restored promptly.
The Leopard 2SG is one of the Singapore Armed Forces' key armoured assets and has been a prominent feature of the Mobile Column, which showcases military hardware as part of National Day celebrations. The NE shows serve as rehearsals involving school children and selected groups to educate and inspire national pride.
This year's NE Show 2 was held as part of the buildup to Singapore’s National Day Parade 2025. These previews are part of a larger educational initiative aimed at engaging the younger generation and giving them a closer look at the Singapore Armed Forces and other uniformed services involved in national defence and security.
MINDEF stated that investigations into the tank’s technical fault are ongoing. While the incident was isolated and relatively minor, the ministry stressed the importance of procedural adherence and safety oversight. It also noted that additional technical assessments and checks may be undertaken to ensure such events do not recur in the lead-up to the main NDP 2025 celebration.
The ministry reiterated its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety for both personnel and the public. It also thanked the public for their patience and cooperation during the rehearsal period, especially in areas affected by road closures and military manoeuvres.
The incident did not cause any disruption to the rest of the NE show, which proceeded smoothly without further issues.
As of July 6, 2025, no further incidents have been reported involving the Mobile Column or other elements of the NDP 2025 rehearsals.
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