About the Operation Lionheart Contingent

In 2008, SCDF became the first organisation in the Asia-Pacific region to be classified as a Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) Team by the United Nations International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).  This is the highest level of recognition that can be accorded to USAR teams by the United Nations.  When prioritising the acceptance of international assistance and support, disaster-affected countries would regard SCDF's USAR capabilities favourably.

The dedicated 79-member SCDF Operation Lionheart contingent is always ready to provide urban search and rescue and / or humanitarian relief assistance to countries affected by major disasters, at a moment's notice.  The contingent comprises rescuers from SCDF's elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART), as well as experts such as search dog handlers, rescue engineers, trauma paramedics, and doctors.

Since the formation of the Operation Lionheart Contingent in 1990, it had been deployed in numerous missions throughout the Asia Pacific region, rendering humanitarian assistance to countries hit by major disasters.