Leopard 2SG tank collision at NDP show caused by rare technical fault: MINDEF
A Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank that struck a traffic light during a National Day Parade education show on 5 July experienced a rare internal fault in its transmission system, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said. No one was injured, and the issue has been resolved.
- MINDEF says tank suffered a rare transmission fault causing partial brake and steering loss
- Fault confirmed by manufacturer as first-of-its-kind
- All Leopard 2SG tanks checked and cleared for continued use in NDP 2025
A Leopard 2SG Main Battle Tank (L2SG) that collided with a traffic light during the National Day Parade (NDP) education show was found to have experienced a rare technical malfunction, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on 11 July 2025.
The incident occurred at about 7.20pm on 5 July along North Bridge Road, near Parliament House and the Supreme Court, after the Mobile Column segment of the NDP National Education (NE) Show 2.
Footage of the event showed the tank turning right and bumping into a traffic light, which was later found to have suffered minor damage. No one was injured, and the tank remained within the secured area, posing no danger to the public.
According to MINDEF, this was the first technical issue ever reported in the Singapore Army’s Leopard 2SG fleet. The tank was travelling below the 20km/h speed limit, and its crew followed standard operating procedures.
The vehicle itself sustained no damage, and the damaged traffic light has since been repaired.
MINDEF’s investigation revealed that an internal component within the tank’s transmission had failed, specifically the conduit that channels transmission fluid to the service brake. This resulted in a drop in transmission oil pressure and a partial loss of steering and braking power.
The tank’s operator, a full-time National Serviceman, followed proper emergency procedures by activating the parking brake, successfully stopping the vehicle.
RENK GmbH, the tank’s original equipment manufacturer, confirmed that this was the first known case of such a malfunction. The company is working with the Singapore Army to reinforce maintenance protocols for the affected component to prevent similar incidents.
MINDEF said all Mobile Column vehicles undergo extensive checks before each deployment, and no issues were found with the affected tank before the event.
Following the collision, all Leopard 2SG tanks were re-inspected as a precaution. The checks confirmed the fault was isolated, and all other tanks are in full working condition.
MINDEF confirmed that the Leopard 2SG fleet will continue to participate in National Day Parade 2025, with additional preventive measures and maintenance procedures in place.
The ministry reaffirmed that public and personnel safety remain its highest priority and reminded spectators to follow instructions from road marshals and maintain safe distances from military vehicles during parades and rehearsals.
