The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is seeking a new video surveillance and analytics system to enhance drone detection around Changi Airport. The upgraded system is expected to be operational in time for the airport’s third runway, which is now slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2027.
According to a tender published on March 13, 2025 via GeBiz, the system must track, classify, and monitor drone activity using electro-optic and infrared sensors. It should offer 360-degree situational awareness, detect drones as small as 0.3m x 0.3m from distances of up to 1.6km, and function in all lighting conditions. The first phase of deployment will cover airspace around the two existing runways, while full deployment—including two additional monitoring locations—must coincide with the third runway’s launch.
The third runway, currently being upgraded from a military airstrip to accommodate commercial aircraft, is part of the broader Changi East project. This includes the future Terminal 5, expected to add capacity for 50 million passengers annually to Changi’s existing 90 million. To support operations, around 40km of taxiways will connect the third runway with the rest of the airport.
