Republic of Singapore Air Force

[OPSSG]

Singapore Air Power Summary in 7 Points (Part 2 of 3)

3. Serving as a vital port that connects the Indo-Pacific, tiny Singapore has to continually reconstruct itself and keep its relevance to the world and to create political and economic space. As Robert Kaplan noted, the Indian Ocean is the world’s energy interstate. He is of the view that we are entering not so much a world where there is an East Asia, a South Asia, and a Southeast Asia, but a world where the whole of Eurasia constitutes one organic, interconnected geography. To that end, the RSAF and its sister service, the navy, are used as tools to:-

(a) provide Singapore with the ability to project soft (in stability missions or in humanitarian and disaster relief missions) or hard power in coercive missions, like enforcing no fly zones or performing any of the four roles of air power in war over long distances through the compression of time and space, by the use of technology; and

(b) expand geostrategic depth by enabling the nation to use its air power to build up a network of bilateral and multilateral defence relationships within a country's vicinity and around the world.

Above, the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) defence chiefs at a press conference in Singapore prior to Exercise Bersama Lima 2013. At the conference, the Defence Chiefs reaffirmed their commitment to the FPDA, and recognised the important role that the FPDA plays in enhancing regional security and stability. The Defence Chiefs also collectively discussed and issued the FPDA Exercise Concept Directive, which guides the development of future FPDA exercises and activities to strengthen interoperability and military cooperation between the armed forces of the five member nations in conducting conventional and non-conventional operations.

Above, the air forces of Malaysia and Singapore deployed fighters to each other’s air bases in the first cross base exercise between them since 1998, said Armed Forces chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin. The cross deployment stipulated under the Base Support Arrangement (BSA) would enabled the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to cooperate and assist each to cater to the needs and requirements in terms of security of both countries.​

4. The RSAF is the only tertiary air force in South East Asia, with its fighters equipped with both AESA radar, and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (which allows a pilot to aim sensors and weapons where he is looking), in its 24 F-15SGs and its 60 F-16C/D/D+ fleet (when they are upgraded - see the RSAF discussion thread for details). This means that it is an air force with the capability to detect, track and engage airborne targets that is a golden mile ahead of any other air force in the immediate region. Supported by an indigenous defence science ecosystem, Singapore is able to adopt and adapt defence technology quickly and it has a defence industrial base that other ASEAN countries would dream of having. As a tertiary air force, the RSAF gives its fighters a war fighting edge in three key areas, as follows:-

One, the RSAF has an operational airborne early warning and control squadron (equipped with four G550 AEWs), giving data-linked RSAF pilots unparalleled situational awareness. Sunho Beck, writing in Aviation Week (1 Oct 2007) said that the G550 AEW can detect fighter sized targets up to 370 km away and carries unique dual-band, phased-array radar with 2 L-band side antennas and 2 S-band end antennas which are connected to a common radar unit. The G550 AEW's system software has been optimised by DSTA and the local defence industry (see: One Force - Air Warfare Officer (Command, Control & Comms) & Air Operations and Systems Expert - YouTube).

Two, the RSAF has a KC-135R tanker squadron of four aircraft to refuel its fighters providing persistence in the fight for control of the air (see: One Force - RSAF Transport Pilot and RSAF Air Crew Specialist (ACS) - YouTube). The crews of this tanker squadron have deployed in a theatre of war (in support of the American led efforts in Iraq). Between 2004 to 2008, the RSAF deployed KC-135R tankers (in 5 deployments for 3 month stretches each time) in support of coalition forces in Iraq. This includes offloading 14 million pounds of fuel to more than 1,400 coalition aircraft in 300 refuelling sorties over the skies of Iraq. There is speculation that the four KC-135Rs may be replaced with six A330 Multi Role Tanker Transports and we are awaiting official confirmation of this development.

Three, the RSAF has the capability to conduct Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) missions, along with a robust Electronic Warfare (EW) capability. Singapore's defence science focus on developing EW capability has been a ongoing effort since the early 1970s, that started with a niche effort with the navy on its surface combatants, and it has became mainstream and integral to the RSAF's way of war over time.

Although some details of the F-15SG are classified, the electronic warfare systems are possibly similar to the F-15K. Dr. David L. Rockwell, Senior Analyst at Teal Group said that Singapore turned to Israel for its F-15SG’s internal electronic warfare suite — which makes sense, given Singapore's threat matrix. Further, according to Martin Streetly, writing in the March 2010 issue of Asian Military Review, Singapore acquired some AN/ALQ-131(V) podded radar jammers along with its F-16Ds. The AN/ALQ-131(V) works as a radar warning receiver and electronics warfare control system and these pods have been spotted on RSAF F-16C/Ds as early as 2000.​

Use of Data Fusion by the SAF

The Data Fusion Team from DSO National Laboratories (DSO) has built up significant data fusion technology over the years. The technologies developed by the team are behind the intelligent engines used in many of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) decision support and combat management systems today as well as those under development.

Team Leader: Dr Ng Gee Wah, Programme Director, Information, DSO National Laboratories.

Data fusion refers to the use of techniques and processes to combine data from multiple sources and sieve that information into discrete, actionable items. The two examples of track-before-detect (TBD) and advanced classification techniques enable object refinement are used to illustrate:

(i) In conventional tracking, a threshold is set to filter out weak signals; and only select signals above the threshold (this method is efficient, reduces costs but it cannot detect weak signals). TBD technique enables the SAF to detect and track targets before they have obvious strong signals via signal pattern recognition of relevant weak signals (rather than using the threshold method).

(ii) Advanced classification uses a combination of cumulative and associative certainty factors to enable target classification, which includes using a suite of analytical tools to make sense of networks to enable rapid situation refinement. This method reduces the time taken for analysis from about 2 weeks to 4.2 minutes.​

Other data fusion techniques include threat evaluation enables threat refinement (by assigning priority to various threats) and weapons assignment (by allocating the best weapon to engage); and so on, which are not further described.

 

[OPSSG]

Singapore Air Power Summary in 7 Points (Part 3 of 3)

The SAF's deployments in Afghanistan over a period of 6 years

Below, Singapore's Chief of Army meets General Joseph Dunford, Commander ISAF in Kabul. GEN Dunford said:-

"The Singapore Army has been a valuable contributor to the ability of the Afghans to take the lead; from training their artillery forces to supporting us with our intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, to assisting us in our strategic communications, to the medical and dental support. All those contributions by Singapore have truly made a difference."​

In December 2009, as President Obama ordered a surge of over 30,000 additional US troops (along with over 7,000 additional troops from NATO) to a peak of about 100,000 US troops (or a total of about 140,000 troops from various ISAF contributing countries), Singapore in our own little way, refocused our efforts away from reconstruction in Bamiyan, and in period from 2010 to 2013 the SAF significantly increased its footprint in both Oruzgan and Kabul to support President Obama's surge and to help ISAF forces train the Afghan National Army (ANA) to stand on its own. This included the deployment of Singaporean military institutional trainers to provide counter-IED and artillery training. Singapore's deployment in Oruzgan (which is part of the contentious districts of R.C. South) also included-:

Singapore Army: Operation Blue Ridge Documentary - YouTube

(i) five rotations of medical and surgical teams to Camp Holland (later renamed Multi-National Base Tarin Kot) that treated 2552 patients and operated on 85 cases. In 2010, four SAF medical officers were awarded the Netherlands Armed Forces Commemorative Medal for Peacekeeping Operations, namely, MAJ (Dr) Muhammad Bin Idu Jion, MAJ (NS) Dr Cheng Mathew Hern Wang, MAJ (NS) Dr Philip Iau Tsau Choong, MAJ (NS) Dr Tan Wah Tze;

(ii) four rotations of Weapon Locating Radar Teams (WLRTs) to provide early warning (within four seconds each time) against insurgent rocket attacks against Camp Holland; according to David Boey, the WLRTs achieved a 100% success rate in detecting the 27 rocket attacks that took place on their 15 month deployment. In 2010, two other SAF officers were awarded the Netherlands Armed Forces Commemorative Medal for Peacekeeping Operations, namely, LTC Dinesh Vasu Dash and LTC Chan I-Harn, Alvin;

(iii) a 52-strong UAV team; within a week of setting-up, the UAV team had produced for their commanders a 99-page report on how to improve UAV operations to gain maximum impact against the enemy in the contested province of Oruzgan. Operating in Tarin Kowt, Oruzgan from October 2010 to January 2011, the UAV Team flew 112 missions that provided ISR for Combined Team Oruzgan. During take-off and landings, the UAV Team faced increased the exposure to indirect fire from insurgent mortar and rocket attacks. On one occasion, in the 68 imagery analysis and support missions carried out, it was redirected to conduct an ad hoc mission when ground troops reported an IED attack. When the UAV arrived at the incident site, it found a mangled military vehicle, a sobering reminder of the real dangers surrounding the base; and

(iv) nine rotations of imagery analysts to augment coalition intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for ISAF Combined Team Oruzgan. By producing a high quality work product in all 204 analysis missions, the hard work to provide a niche capability saved coalition lives. As Singapore's Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen noted in a speech on establishment of the C4I community held on 2 April 2012:

'In Oruzgan, our Imagery Analysis Teams (IATs) are now well regarded by other ISAF forces in their ability to translate raw data into accurate and actionable intelligence. During my visit there, ISAF commanders told me that the quality of analysis in our reports has been significant in enhancing the security of the Afghan population and international forces. As a testament to the valuable contribution of the IATs, the ops room in the ISAF HQ has been expanded to accommodate more Image Analysts.'​

Above, the Searcher II UAV team in Afghanistan faced a constant threat of indirect fire (IDF), where the insurgents fired rockets into the coalition compound. Personnel operating on the UAV runway were required to wear protective armored gear at all times. Effort was also expended in the design and fabrication of an improved UAV tow trolley to reduced crew exposure to IDF. Deployed for three months in 2010, the 52-strong Task Group provided valuable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support for coalition forces. As COL (Ret) James Creighton, then Commander Combined Team Uruzgan said:-

“The Singapore deployment is vital to what we are doing. It provides overwatch for all of our soldiers every day. They are on time, on target every day."​

5. Not only does the SAF exist as a network that is designed to fight another network, it has the capability to plug into partner networks to fight together, in-coalition with other forces. Singapore's air space is protected by an IADS, with a number of onion layers; these onion layers can discriminate between normal civilian air traffic with a filed flight plan, and any aircraft that deviates from its filed flight plan — this capability to conduct 24x7 homeland air defence and air sovereignty, was demonstrated on 23 January 2008, when a Cessna 208, flew into Singapore air space without an approved flight plan and failed to communicate with Singapore air traffic control — this resulted in the closure of commercial airspace for about 50 minutes (that disrupted 23 flights in and out of Changi Airport), while F-16s scrambled to intercept the Cessna 208. As the 2008 air intercept demonstrates, there various onion layers in Singapore's defenses.

(i) The outer most onion layer of Singapore's networked air defence zone, is provided by five fighter squadrons (including F-15SGs, F-16C/Ds and F-5s), whose intercepts may be guided by airborne controllers on the G550-AEW (or ground based controllers using the FPS 117, a 3-dimensional surveillance radar, which has a detection range of over 400 km), before coming into the range rings of the Aster 30 that may be cued by the Shikra radar (which is based on the Thales Ground Master 200).

Above, the Aster 30 will replace the I-Hawk in Singapore service. Find out more at http://mindef.sg/1bcSeVx

(ii) Below the outer air defence onion layer, lies the Spyder batteries; and thereafter, the short range air defence systems, like the Igla (including the Mechanised Igla squadrons), Mistral, RBS-70 and such other counter-fire batteries that may be adopted.

Above, Chairman of Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Dr Lim Wee Kiak being briefed on how the SPYDER is deployed.

(iii) Even if these onion layers fail, dispersals are part of the RSAF's war plans. That is, if a RSAF aircraft cannot land at location A, then divert to location B, if location B is attacked, then divert to location C. The RSAF currently has 3 fixed wing air bases and at least 11 runways (not counting alternate runways or aprons). Therefore, runway cratering alone is not seen as the most effective way to keep a tertiary air force, like the RSAF from sortie generating, as runway repair crews are trained to conduct repairs in quick time (see: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNi8XSAatPQ&list=PLEzB18xuhAX77xb-_372HmCOAFlWqXuRO&index=2"]Republic of Singapore Airforce - Robust and resilient air power generation capabilities. - YouTube[/nomedia]).

(iv) Further, to make things even harder for the attacker, the Singapore has an underground National Emergency System (NEST) and underground ammunition facilities. NEST controls more than 250 sirens that form Singapore's Public Warning System. Food security, energy security and the continued running of essential services such as fresh water, electricity and transport are among items addressed under NEST.

Above, in March 2008 Mindef unveiled its underground ammunition facility at Seletar.
​

6. The RSAF is hard to fight against, not because it is a SEAD capable tertiary air force. It is hard to fight against because it is able to cast a sensor net that is fully integrated with its sister services (i.e. the army and navy). Tighter integration enables the RSAF to draw strength from the other services (be it to contribute to battles for limited sea control with the navy or support the army in its air-land battle). Singapore may be small in land size but is able to punch beyond its weight-class because the RSAF is also the most advanced UAV operator in South East Asia. Thanks to ongoing investments in ISR capabilities, the RSAF is able to cast a persistent sensor net over Singapore and its surroundings with its Hermes 450 UAVs, Heron 1 UAVs, G550 AEWs and maritime patrol aircraft. Having UAV crews and imagery analysts that have served with distinction in Afghanistan and in Indonesia ensures that Singapore's UAV portion of the sensor net is manned by seasoned operators, ready to provide actionable intelligence for troops-in-contact. There is a growing need for the SAF to gather and disseminate information beyond the traditional rigid ISR silos and share the information (while retaining control over access to such information). Further, through the use of smart tools and decision support software, defence science helped developed improved the cognitive C2 system through effective visualisation, and usage of information. Below are three examples of engineering solutions and systems integration work through indigenous efforts:-

One, the DSTA, DSO National Laboratories, the RSAF, ST Aerospace, and ST Electronics AEW team made significant enhancements to the C2 System of the newly acquired G550 aircraft, to allow the seamless sharing of information across the services for the SAF.

Above, Dr Ng (2nd from left) unveiling a plaque to commemorate the achievement of FOC (in April 2012) by the G550-AEW, accompanied by MOS for Defence and Education Mr Lawrence Wong (3rd from left), the then Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng (1st from left), and the then Commander Air Combat Command Brigadier-General Lim Yeong Kiat.

Two, the Integrated Geographic Information System (IGIS) team from the DSTA, DSO National Laboratories and the SAF Mapping Unit has developed an information system that has transformed the SAF's geographic information capability. The team's effort has led to quantum improvements in the SAF's capacity to process geographic information and disseminate it to multiple users in a timely and optimal manner. IGIS enables different groups of users to share the same set of information but present it in different ways, based on the individual needs of the users. There are several co-ordinate formats in use in the SAF, and the IGIS supports the processing of these formats to enable a seamless exchange of information and common situational awareness. The IGIS can also display the locations of mobile forces, and provides comprehensive geospatial analysis services to help users make informed decisions quickly. For example, teams on humanitarian and rescue missions may need to find the best routes to avoid impassable areas and road blocks, and to reach their destinations swiftly. Specialised analysis services help commanders to plan the best route, taking into consideration information about the terrain and other unplanned conditions.

Three, DSO composite engineers had to develop a braiding machine for complex composite structures. Compared to traditional metals, engineered composites are stiffer, stronger and lighter materials, making them ideally suited for UAV components, and the resulting lighter weight allows the UAV to fly faster and carry more payload. Many countries have simple braiding machines that can create flat or tubular structures, but the DSO developed a multi-axis machine that allows the composite engineers to create complicated, asymmetrical structures such as wings and fuselages for UAVs.

"This is a braiding machine, but we call it our DSO Flyer, because it looks like the Singapore Flyer, doesn't it? The machine braids and intertwines fibres together into the shapes of the parts that we want. After that, we add resin (think of it as a kind of glue) to harden and turn them into composite structures," said Mr Elvin Chia, a DSO composite engineer.

Above, Mr Chia holding a composite structure. This is formed by adding resin to the textile pre-form, using a resin injector machine (background).
​

7. From my point of view, the problem with Singapore is that the SAF has deterred potential aggressors for so long (for over 45 years), that Singaporeans and the government have to an extent been lulled into a sense of complacency. As a smallest country by land size in ASEAN, in theory Singapore’s external environment sets its long term defence posture — with a defence budget of S$12.34 billion (or US$9.7 billion) in FY2013. In practice, there is little or no political appetite by the ruling party to make significant increases in defence spending — with a greater demand for welfare spending with an ageing electorate. It should be noted that the ruling party continues to control Singapore Parliament with a majority of 80 out of 87 seats. However, the opposition has started to make inroads by appealing to the discontent of the electorate on bread and butter issues in the 2011 general election (with the opposition winning 6 seats in parliament), and at the 2013 by-election (gaining an additional seat at the expense of the ruling party).

 

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The RSAF Pilot Selection Process Starts at the Air Grading Center

Based in Tamworth, Australia and operating the CT-4 aircraft, the RSAF's Air Grading Center (AGC) conducts screening for both pilot and WSO (Fighter) applicants. The 6-week course serves as an introduction and screening where applicants are assessed on their aptitude for military aviation. Upon successful completion, the trainees will be put through Basic Officer Cadet Training and Basic ground School.

He first stepped into the AGC in March 2001 as a young pilot trainee. Little did he know that more than a decade later, he is back at this Squadron in Tamworth, Australia, as a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI). Meet Captain Edward Lim, a Fokker-50 pilot as he shares his pride in returning to the place where he first learnt the ropes of flying. “The moment I was told about my posting to AGC, I was eagerly looking forward to fulfilling my ambition, which was to be a pilot and a flying instructor.

To realize greater training efficiencies, the RSAF commercialized the maintenance of trainer aircraft and facilities, whilst retaining the flying instructors in-house to ensure quality of instruction. The outsourcing of the AGC in Tamworth occurred in 2000 and the outsourcing of the Basic Wings Course in occurred in 2008.

Back then, not only did I want to be a pilot, I also looked upon the AGC Instructors as my role model,” said CPT Edward. “I won’t forget the flight I took as the Captain of the aircraft with my very first AGC student. A scene of me sitting on that student’s seat more than 10 years ago flashed through my head. Now, I’m sitting on the instructor’s seat teaching these future pilots and Weapon Systems Officers!” he recalled. “It’s during moments like this when I feel a great sense of achievement. I believed and fulfilled my dreams of being a pilot and an instructor.”

CPT Edward said his operations experience has also allowed him to inspire his trainees. “With these experiences, I can better relate the importance of basic flying fundamentals to carry out the demanding missions after they graduate with their ‘wings’,” he said. “When we are sharing our experiences, it acts like a form of motivation as the students get a glimpse of what RSAF missions are about,” added CPT Edward who has participated in peace-keeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions, such as Operations Flying Eagle.

CPT Edward has clocked over 2,500 flying hours and had to undergo the Flying Instructor Course conducted by Standards Squadron in Pearce Detachment before qualifying as a QFI.

h/t to Mike at the Base Leg Blog for posting a picture of the M346, which serves as the RSAF's Lead-in Fighter Trainer (LIFT). LIFT is for the RSAF is conducted at Cazaux Air Base, France and the picture below is provided by Alenia-Aermacchi's media department and hosted by Mike on his blog.

The transformation of commercial training saw the RSAF embark on Public-Private Partnership arrangements to better share the cost and risk between the RSAF and its contractors. Its successful implementation of the Transport Wing Course (TWC) and the Basic Wings Course (BWC) resulted in cost reductions of pilot production between 15-25%. Besides cost, the time required to train a pilot is also a significant indicator of the efficiency of the RSAF’s training ecosystem. The need for better coordination between recruitment and the various stages of training from ground school to air grading to flying training manifested itself in waiting time and need for additional sorties to qualify the pilots. An Integrated Product Team (IPT), borrowing concepts from lean production, was formed in 2006 to reduce inefficiencies in the flow of pilot production. The effectiveness of the IPT was evident in the reduction of waiting time by up to 80% and additional sorties by 18%. With the introduction of more capable trainer platforms such as the PC-21 and M346, which have cockpit displays similar to advanced warplanes, higher end training could be conducted at an earlier stage. This narrowed the transition required between training and operational platforms and resulted in shorter qualification time on operational platforms downstream.

Below, the RSAF's first Pilatus PC-21 aircraft trainer successfully completed its flight test in Switzerland, on 21 January 2008. The first batch of PC-21 aircraft trainers will be delivered to the RSAF Flying Training School (FTS) at Pearce airbase, Australia.

The BWC is the start of actual flying training, trainees are taught the fundamentals of piloting and basic military aviation skills such as formation flying and basic aerobatics in the 34 weeks. BWC also serves as the platform for streaming to the respective fighter, transport or helicopter platform types based on aptitudes. Before proceeding for advanced training, trainees are also commissioned as officers upon completion of this basic phase of training. Under a contract awarded through the Public-Private Partnership arrangement, Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support will provide the RSAF with a Basic Wings Course training package using the PC-21 aircraft trainer. Upon completion of the BWC, the RSAF's fighter pilot trainees are then sent for LIFT at Cazaux Air Base, France.

 

[OPSSG]

New RSAF Ad

One Force - 2014 RSAF Commercial - YouTube​

Population.....................................: 5.08 million
Total Fertility Rate (CIA Factbook)...: 0.78 (No. 223 out of 223)
2012 Corruption Perception Index ...: 87 out of 100 -- No. 5 in CPI
Literacy rate (and Life Expectancy)..: 95% (81 years) (World Bank data)
Ease of doing business index 2013..: No. 1 of 185
2011 Moody's Credit Rating (Outlook): AAA (Stable)
2012 GDP ......................................: US$276.5 billion (IMF data)

No. of Troops (active/reserve)..........: 72,500 (active) and 356,500 (reserves)

No. of G550 AEWs* : 4
No. of fighter aircraft* : 60 F-16C/Ds, 40 F-15SGs*** & 26 F-5S
No. of jet trainers (M346)* : 12 (on order, with a few delivered)
No. of KC-135R tankers* : 4
No. of operational and modernised C-130Hs* : 10
No. of Chinooks* : 16

No. of Super Pumas* : 33
No. of Apaches* : 19
No. of submarines : 4 Challenger Class & 2 Archer Class (with 2 Type 218SGs on order)
No. of LPDs : 4 Endurance Class
No. of multi-mission corvettes : 6 Victory Class (equipped with Scaneagle UAVs)
No. of multi-mission frigates** : 6 Formidable Class
No. of Littoral Mission Vessels : 0 (with 8 on order)
No. of S-70B naval helicopters* : 6 (with 2 more on order)
No. of Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft* : 5

* Note 1: The number of aircraft is extracted from Flight Global's World Air Forces 2014.
** Note 2: Each Formidable Class frigate is equipped with up-to 32 Aster 15/30 missiles for air defence, and up-to a maximum of 24 Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles. This means the 6 frigates, in theory, have the potential to carry up to 192 Aster missiles and 144 Harpoon missiles, before counting the torpedoes carried or the weapons carried by the organic S-70B naval helicopters.
***Note 3: James Hardy, writing for IHS Jane's Defence Weekly on 22 August 2014 and Mike Yeo writing for USNI News on 25 August 2014 have reported on the increase in numbers. See USNI news for Singapore Quietly Expanding Fighter Force.

Up, Up and Away! - Singapore Airshow 2014

 

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Chief of Defence Force Visits Pearce Detachment (19 Feb 2014)

Below, RAAF Base Pearce Commander and Squadron Commanding Officers welcoming Singapore's Chief of Defence Force (CDF).

CDF, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng visited Singapore's Pearce Detachment at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce on 19 February 2014.

The visit was hosted by Commanding Officer (CO) 130 Squadron, Lieutenant Colonel Koi Eng Chew.

During the visit, LG Ng flew a familiarisation flight on the PC-21 aircraft with CO Standards Squadron, LTC Lee Joon Guan, to better understand the various capabilities of the aircraft.

Group photo with CDF after his familiarisation flight.

RAAF Air Vice-Marshal Kym Osley trying out the PC-21 Flight Simulator.

After his flight, LG Ng interacted with our servicemen and their family members when they shared their experiences in Pearce Detachment.

A Qualified Flying Instructor conducting a de-brief for a pilot trainee.

Pearce Detachment Year in Review - One big happy family in Pearce.

 

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In a speech in Parliament, at Committee of Supply Debate 2014, Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, said:-

"The question is, 'What are we building for the future?' I thought instead of telling you, I will try to show you, I think it is much easier. Let me illustrate with a schematic of what the SAF might look like in 2030...

This particular picture, and basically it says "Current", "Plan" and "Future". The SAF in 2030 will be one with all parts highly connected. Which means that whether it's the fighter pilot in the air, the sailor out on the oceans or the soldier on land, each will be able to see the big picture, and beyond that, speak to each other to jointly target threats and orchestrate responses. Let me repeat that - whether you are a fighter pilot, a sailor out on the oceans or a soldier on land, you will be able to see the big picture, speak to each other, jointly target threats and orchestrate responses. Sounds simple but very, very difficult to do. This concept of a networked force is now a reality, and the SAF is a front-runner in global terms in realising the full potential of a networked military.

In 2030, our F-16s will have been upgraded with what we call the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars, which are more precise, which can see further and will have more precise air-to-ground munitions. The F-16s upgraded with the F-15s, will be able to defend our airspace ably. In addition, we would have acquired our next generation fighter aircraft, which Mr Pritam Singh asked about. We are not quite ready to decide yet, we will take our time because our F-16s and F-15s will serve us for the near term and medium term. We will also have in place multi-layered air defence capabilities with the deployment of the SPYDER and ASTER-30 Surface-to-Air Missile Systems. In other words, layers of air defence.

Our current KC-135 aerial tankers will have been replaced by the Airbus A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), which we have decided to acquire. The MRTT, or Airbus A330, can hold 20% more fuel than our current KC-135s and will extend the range of our fighters through Air-to-Air Refuelling. The Airbus A330 can also double up as a cargo and troop-lift aircraft to deploy troops and equipment to overseas sites further away as we have done in HADR operations. You will be familiar with the A330 because you fly in some of these commercial planes.

For our Navy, the two Type-218SG submarines will be in operation, together with our two Archer-class submarines.

Our frigates, operating with their Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopters, and our new Littoral Mission Vessels, will form the mainstay of our surface fleet. The Naval Helicopters have proved to be effective and versatile for a wide range of missions. When we deployed them in the Gulf of Aden, it validated their usefulness in counter-piracy missions and the SAF has therefore decided to acquire two more Naval Helicopters.

The SAF has also found the multi-role Landing Ship Tank to be an effective workhorse in our relief efforts, so whether it was to the Indian Ocean Tsunami, the Northern Arabian Gulf, whether it was to relief efforts elsewhere, they were found to be effective. But if there was one limitation, it was in their carrying capacity.

We are therefore studying carefully the need for larger LSTs that can carry more helicopters as well as more cargo.

The Army in 2030 will certainly be more mobile. In the next 10 years, the number of units that will operate on wheel or track platforms will almost double. So whatever we have right now, in 10 years they will double in numbers and this will create more mobile units. This includes more Terrex Infantry Fighting Vehicles, to deal with threats in urban environments.

The Terrexes will be linked to UAVs to see further, better and act more decisively. The Bionixes will also be upgraded and this will be operationalised by 2030.

...

Conclusion

Madam, we build the SAF for an uncertain future with unknown risks and new challenges. But MINDEF is confident that as long as we have the strong support of members of this House and Singaporeans, who are resolved to defend ourselves and willing to invest in building these capabilities, the SAF will be able to preserve our peace and protect our sovereignty."​

 

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Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappears over South China Sea: A RSAF C-130 joins search from noon!

#MyAirForceStory

Before an aircraft is deployed for a search and locate (SAL) operation, a lot of work goes on behind the scenes. The RSAF Liaison Office (LO) in the Singapore Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) has to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to plan and execute these operations. Captain Kang Chai Hong of 203 Squadron was the LO on Saturday when the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 went missing and this is her story.

"The first few hours were especially challenging as we had to make sense of the limited information available, and make various recommendations and decisions. In such SAL missions, close coordination with various stakeholders is key to mission success and we hope that our effort behind the scenes can help save lives.

When this is a civil aeronautical incident, a CAAS officer is overall-in-charge of the SAL operation. As the LO, I am the subject matter expert on the capabilities that our SAR/SAL assets bring to the table, and I provided recommendations on the most appropriate asset to be used, which in this incident is the C130. The aircraft has good endurance that allows it to search the large area, which is about 1,000km away from Singapore.

In the planning phase, I worked with the CAAS officers on the search plans, conveyed these plans to the RSAF and made sure that our aircraft was able to execute these plans. I was also responsible for the execution, and processed the necessary clearances for our aircraft to transit and carry out their operations smoothly."

The Singapore RCC is the central agency that coordinates and executes Singapore's search efforts in the event of any aeronautical or maritime incident that requires search and locate or search and rescue. It is situated in the Singapore Air Traffic Control Centre, where 203 Squadron is located.

Malaysian authorities have sent two EC-725 helicopters and a Bombardier CL-415 flying boat to search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. According to Chanel News Asia report: "The Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777-200 aircraft, flight number MH370, departed Kuala Lumpur at 12.41am local time Saturday, 8 March 2014; and was scheduled to land at Beijing International Airport at 6.30am. Malaysia Airlines said Subang Air Traffic Control had lost contact with the aircraft at 2.40am." Various media reports state that there were 239 passengers and crew on-board. Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the following on his facebook page:-

"Spoke to Malaysian PM Najib Razak on the phone this afternoon to express my sympathies and concerns over the missing MAS plane, and to offer our help with the search operations. Hope the plane and people on board will be found soon."​

The RSAF's facebook page said that a RSAF C-130 was launched earlier today for a search and locate mission for the missing aircraft. David Boey's blog has details of the efforts being made since noon; and the additional SAF assets placed on standby.As David noted in his post on the search efforts:-

"The mercy mission is being coordinated between the RSAF, Singapore Rescue Coordination Centre and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)... Among other things, the SRCC has the expertise to use data on ocean currents and wind direction to predict the spread of the debris field. Such data can help aerial search parties in their mission... RSAF C-130s can stay in the air for as long as 15 hours and have a maximum range of 4,800 nautical miles (8,890 km). This brings the area in which MH370 is thought to have gone down well within the C-130's search radius."​

Like him, I echo his sentiments that our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of MH370; and we wish the multi-national search teams well in this last hour of daylight on 8 March 2014.

Dr Ng offers additional assistance by the SAF in response to missing Malaysia Airlines Plane

8 March 2014, 2315 hours (Day 1 -- Saturday) -- Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen conveyed Singapore's sympathies and offered additional assistance to the Malaysian government to assist in the search-and-locate (SAL) operation for the missing Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines plane (MH370). A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft took off at 12 noon earlier today to assist in the SAL coordinated among the RSAF, Singapore Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

In a phone interview with Channel NewsAsia this evening, Dr Ng said, "When I heard the news of the missing MAS MH370 earlier today, my sympathies immediately went to the families and loved ones of passengers on board, especially of our Malaysian neighbours. MINDEF immediately set in plans efforts to assist in the search and locating efforts to offer to the Malaysian Government." Dr Ng added that, "I have just spoken with my counterpart Defence Minister Hishammuddin and asked him what else we can do to help. We had already mobilised our RSAF C-130 which is at the location to look for the missing aircraft. I further offered the assistance of our submarine support and rescue vessel. We have a vessel which is equipped to perform underwater search and can assist in the search and locate operations. It also has divers on the vessel. Defence Minister Hishammuddin accepted this offer and both the Singaporean and Malaysian Chiefs of Navy have spoken to coordinate the details and to deploy this vessel for the search and locating effort. I also offered the Malaysian Defence Minister any further assistance that the SAF could give in this difficult period."

Earlier today, both the Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Ng Chee Peng and the Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou spoke with their counterparts, the Royal Malaysian Navy Chief of Navy Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Bin Haji Jaafar and the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force General Tan Sri Dato Sri Rodzali Bin Daud to coordinate the details of the SAF's assistance and offer additional assistance if required.

On the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, The Republic of Singapore Navy's facebook page noted on 9 March 2014:

"Joining the ongoing search since 0200H last night, a frigate, missile corvette and one of our Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopters have been deployed to assist in the search and rescue operations for Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370, which went missing yesterday.

Our SSRV MV Swift Rescue will be joining them today, after preparations through the night for the search operation."

Below, supplies being loaded onto the submarine support and rescue vessel, MV Swift Rescue, before its departure.

9 Mar 2014, 1250 hours -- Following Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen's offer of additional assistance to his Malaysian counterpart Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Hussein yesterday, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed additional assets to assist in the search-and-locate (SAL) operation for the missing Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines plane (MH370). These include two other Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft, a Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Formidable-class frigate (RSS Steadfast), with a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter onboard, a submarine support and rescue vessel with divers onboard, as well as a Missile Corvette (RSS Vigour). The first RSAF C-130 deployed yesterday had returned to Singapore last night.​

For more details of MV Swift Rescue and the DSAR6 (submarine search and rescue vessel), which is being prepared through the night for departure (loading all the specialised gear needed), see the Mindef Fact Sheet, here. I note that the missile corvette can also launch a Scaneagle UAV to assist in the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370.

BBC reports on 9 March 2014 that the aerial search is set to resume for a Malaysia Airlines plane that has been missing for more than 24 hours. Marine rescue teams from several countries have been working through the night to search the sea south of Vietnam. No distress signal was received from the plane and there has been no trace of wreckage. The passengers were of 14 different nationalities. Two-thirds were from China, while others were from elsewhere in Asia, North America and Europe.

 

[OPSSG]

The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

The disappearance of a Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 about an hour into a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing is an "unprecedented mystery", said Azharuddin Abdul Rahman, the head of Malaysia's Civil Aviation Authority, as a massive air and sea search failed to find any trace of the plane or 239 people on board.

Ships and aircraft from 10 countries scoured the seas around Malaysia and south of Vietnam as questions mounted over possible security lapses and whether a bomb or hijacking attempt could have brought down the Boeing 777-200ER which took off from Kuala Lumpur. The area of the search would also be widened from Tuesday.

9 March 2014 (Sunday -- Day 2) -- The search and rescue efforts for the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 continue into the second day. The Republic of Singapore Air Force has deployed an additional C130 Hercules aircraft as well as a S-70B Naval Helicopter to the search area approximately 700km north of Singapore.

The Naval Helicopter will be operating with the Republic of Singapore Navy's Frigate that was deployed earlier today.

Below is a list Malaysian and other international assets involved in the search for MH370 (please note that the international assets listed exclude those from Vietnam and is extracted (and modified) from David's blog post as at 20:15hrs local time). Due to a possibility of aircraft turn back based on radar tracks from the military, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) forces are searching in:-

(i) the South China Sea; and

(ii) the Malacca Strait and landward side of Peninsular Malaysia.​

Aircraft: 26 aircraft fixed and rotary-wing

• 11 TUDM
• 1 TLDM
• 5 APMM (Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency)
• 1 PDRM (Polis Di-Raja Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Police)
• 2 Royal Australian Air Force (2x AP-3Cs)
• 1 United States (1x P-3C)
• 2 Royal Thai Air Force (1x MPA and 1x Super Lynx)
• 2 Republic of Singapore Air Force (2x C-130s)
• 1 Tentera Nasional Indonesia (1x MPA)

Ships: 40 ships

• 14 TLDM
• 13 APMM
• 13 foreign vessels comprising:

- 1 United States Navy, with USS Pinckney (and two MH-60R helicopters on-board)
- 3 People's Republic of China
- 3 Republic of Singapore Navy, with RSS Steadfast (and a S-70B helicopter on-board), RSS Vigour (and a Scan Eagle UAV on-board) and MV Swift Rescue (and a DSAR6 on-board).
- 5 Tentera Nasional Indonesia
- 1 Royal Thai Navy​

Straits Times photojournalist Desmond Lim travelled with an RSAF C-130 aircraft helping in the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, which went missing over the South China Sea on March 8.

“How difficult could it be to spot something in the sea?” I asked myself as I sat on the red nylon webbed seat in a Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) C-130, buckling up as the plane prepared to take off from Paya Lebar Air Base.

ST PHOTO: Desmond Lim

I was there at the break of dawn on March 9 with 18 crew members from the RSAF 122 Squadron, who were setting out for a 10-hour mission to locate the missing Boeing 777 from Malaysia Airlines (MAS), which went missing in the South China Sea on March 8 while flying from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The C-130 was one of two such military transport planes that were dispatched to help in the search for Flight MH370 on March 9, together with a naval helicopter, two warships and a submarine support and rescue vessel .

The mood was solemn, with hardly any words exchanged between the servicemen as they swiftly loaded equipment like smoke markers, inflatable rafts and prepared the 30m-long transportation plane for take-off. Everyone was handed ear plugs and life jackets to be worn during the flight. “Put this on after take-off!” an aircrew member barked over the loud humming from the plane’s propellers. I had come on board thinking that with a bird’s eye view of a suspected crash site, one would definitely be able to spot a floating debris that would somehow shed some light on the fate of MH370.

But I would later find out that the task is harder than it seems.

Although the search was concentrated that day in an area about 140 nautical miles north-east of Kota Bahru, Kelantan, in the South China Sea, the crew members in the cockpit went to work right from the start, keeping a lookout in the two hours or so it took for us to reach the South China Sea. The rest of the crew and I were seated with our backs facing the windows. As we approached the search area, people sprang into action, removing the seat webbings blocking the small windows and taking up positions to get the clearest views. Some stood on seats to peer out of the windows on the higher parts of the plane. The two emergency doors at the back of the C-130 were lifted up, allowing the crew who were hooked up with safety harnesses to stand perched right at the edge and have a clearer view right under the aircraft.

ST PHOTO: Desmond Lim

The majority of those on board strained their necks, their faces pressed against the basketball-sized windows of the aircraft, scanning the seas and horizon for any sign of debris. The two pilots in front were also on the lookout and the crew communicated using headsets, alerting one another to anything that caught their attention. About 10 inflatable rafts were strapped near the rear exits, unpacked and ready to be thrown down should any survivors be spotted. If that happened, rescue teams on the waters would be alerted to pick up the survivors.

ST PHOTO: Desmond Lim

The vastness of the seas was overwhelming. The area of operation was enormous - many times the size of Singapore and the Malaysian Peninsular combined. I was confident that with so many aircraft and ships from so many countries involved in the search, it would not be long before the ill-fated MH370 was found.

But it was not to be. My 10-hour journey with the RSAF showed me just how difficult an open-sea search-and-rescue operation really is. We saw some vessels in the seas, but at about 500 feet (150m) up in the air, we were circling too high up to be able to tell whether they were search-and-rescue boats, or just traditional Vietnamese fishing boats. They often appeared no bigger than a speck in the sea of blue. Even the lone tankers cutting through the waters on the horizon were hard to spot...
...
<snip>

After taking some pictures of the operations and the scene through the windows as I was not allowed near the open doors, I chipped in to help. I found a window on the right side near the front of the plane and started to scan the seas. It required tremendous concentration and was extremely tiring. I felt exhausted and struggled to keep awake just after 30 minutes.

ST PHOTO: Desmond Lim

Smoke markers were thrown into the seas, at some points, to mark out suspected debris. The plane would then swing back to investigate the marked areas, but each time, it yielded no results. About five hours after leaving the air base, we spotted large patches of oil, brown stains marbling through the pristine blue waters. The aircrew also spotted and took photos of some unidentified pieces of debris bobbling in the waters, one of which resembled an orange life jacket. There was momentary excitement on the plane about the discovery, but the Malaysian authorities would later in the evening clarify that the debris was not from MH370...
...
<snip>

Below, photos clockwise from top left: The RSAF aircrew planned through the night to prepare for the day's operations; Our aircrew preparing the marine marker with life rafts and survival kits in the background that can be dropped when needed; Our aircrew taking photos of an object of interest through the paratroop door; Our C130 conducting their search operations over the area.

10 March 2014 (Monday -- Day 3) -- Earlier today, The Republic of Singapore Air Force continued to participate in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 with our two C130 Hercules aircraft and a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter. Our naval helicopter has been operating with the Republic of Singapore Navy's Frigate in the search and rescue operations.

Our airmen on the C130 will scan the area that is over 20 times the size of Singapore, through the windows and opened paratroop doors. The aircrew will take photos and drop marine markers for ships and helicopters to conduct further investigations if any objects of interest are spotted.

Below is a list Malaysian and other international assets involved in the search for MH370 (please note that the international assets listed exclude those from Vietnam and is extracted (and modified) from David's blog post).

Aircraft: 32 aircraft fixed and rotary-wing

• 11 x TUDM
• 1 x TLDM
• 5 x APMM (Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency)
• 1 x PDRM (Polis DiRaja Malaysia, Royal Malaysian Police)
  
• 2 x Royal Australian Air Force AP-3C Orion
• 1 x Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion
  
• 2 x Republic of Singapore Air Force C-130 Hercules
• 1 x RSAF S-70B Seahawk (aboard RSS Steadfast)
  
• 1 x Royal Thai Navy MPA
• 1 x Royal Thai Navy Super Lynx
  
• 1 x Tentera Nasional Indonesia MPA
  
• 1 x United States Navy (USN) P-3C Orion
• 4 x USN Seahawks (aboard USS Pickney, USS Kidd)

Ships: 41 ships

Malaysia

• 14 x TLDM
• 13 x APMM

14 foreign vessels comprising:

• 3 x People's Republic of China
• 3 x Republic of Singapore Navy - RSS Steadfast, RSS Vigour, MV Swift Rescue
• 1 x Royal Thai Navy
• 5 x Tentera Nasional Indonesia
• 2 x United States Navy - USS Pickney, USS Kidd (as of 10 March 2014)

11 March 2014 (Tuesday -- Day 4) -- One of two C-130s that took off early this morning to continue with the Search and Locate operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines #MH370. Find out more about SAF's efforts in the full story: http://mindef.sg/1fSDtiO

 

[OPSSG]

According to Janes' estimates, the RSAF receives 53% of the SAF's total procurement budget (with the navy and army receiving 26% and 19%). The RSAF has traditionally made prudent choices in its new equipment and aircraft acquisitions. With deliveries scheduled to start in 2018, choosing to acquire six A330 MRTTs (each of which can carry 37,000 kg of cargo and ferry 266 passengers simultaneously, when used as a transport) to replace the RSAF's four existing KC-135Rs and upgrade the existing F-16C/D/D+ fleet is eminently sensible.

Below, a 2014 picture of UAE's A330 MRTT by Paul Rowbotham

The A330 MRTT will provide mid-air refueling in support of coalition and the RSAF's assets, including F-15SG, F-16C/D/D+ fighters (and in future, possibly, the F-35B as Singapore's candidate for its next generation fighter jet).

Beyond improving the SAF's response times in longer ranged HADR operations, this new aircraft acquisition will also reduce the SAF's dependence on chartered flights for troop transport for the major overseas exercises or support the deployment of Singaporean forces for missions abroad. For example, in Exercise Wallaby alone, the SAF charters over 18 commercial flights, per year, for troop lift purposes. Powered by two massive Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines, the A330 MRTT's larger size will come in handy to augment the transport of troops and cargo for overseas exercises and missions, at a lower operating expenditure than current air charter arrangements (but at the expense of higher CAPEX).

 

[OPSSG]

The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

Disturbing that #MH370 is still missing after a week. The families of the passengers and crew must be distraught with anxiety and grief. Been tracking this closely. Our ships and aircraft are participating in the search.

It was an MAS plane, so not surprisingly there were many Malaysians on board. But the largest group were PRC passengers, several of whom had studied or worked in Singapore. Wrote today to PM Najib Razak and Premier Li Keqiang to express solidarity and offer support. Hope the plane will be found soon. – LHL

(The Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, an additional aircraft we sent today to assist in the search and locate operations in the Straits of Malacca. / Photo courtesy of Mindef)

With the international search efforts for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 continuing into the seventh day, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is providing additional assistance to the Malaysian authorities.

Since 8 March 2014, the SAF has deployed C-130 transport planes, Formidable-class frigate RSS Steadfast with a Sikorsky S-70B Naval Helicopter on board, submarine support and rescue vessel MV Swift Rescue with divers onboard, as well as Missile Corvette RSS Vigour. These assets will continue their search in the South China Sea.

14 March 2014 (Friday -- Day 7) -- The SAF has deployed a Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to the Strait of Malacca to assist in the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370, said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

This brings the total type of SAF assets deployed in the search-and-locate operation to six. The MPA, with six personnel on board, departed from Changi Airbase West this afternoon. Dr Ng announced the deployment of the MPA at the sidelines of the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) 6th Steering Committee Meeting held at Bukit Batok Fire Station. He had offered the additional assistance to the Malaysian government after the search area expanded beyond the South China Sea.

Speaking to the media, Dr Ng conveyed his sympathies to the families of the passengers of MH370, and assured that "Singapore is not giving up" in the international search efforts. No sign of the missing MH370 aircraft has been found after seven days of search.

But Dr Ng reminded SAF servicemen involved that their efforts are for the families of the passengers, especially those from Malaysia and China. "This is what we are working for and I think the international effort must support the Malaysians who are handling this crisis and we will continue in this search effort." Dr Ng added that he had spoken to Malaysia Defence Minister and Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein to offer further help if needed. When asked about the value of expanding the search to the Strait of Malacca, Dr Ng said the search had been difficult because decisions had to be made without precise information. But the SAF is committed to helping the Malaysians. He said: "Whether we are in the South China Sea or the Strait of Malacca…we are fully supportive of the Malaysians and we will continue to be diligent in the areas that we have been assigned."

The Search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

11 March 2014 (Tuesday -- Day 4)

"The crew of RSS Steadfast including the naval helicopter detachment responded swiftly to the incident having just returned less than two days from a 10-day overseas exercise with the Royal Malaysian Navy. The search area is large, but the crew is totally focused on our mission to find the missing plane.”
- LTC Rinson Chua, Commanding Officer of RSS Steadfast

Below, CPT Leonard Tan, Operations Officer of RSS Steadfast directing shipboard operations from the frigate’s Combat Information Centre.

Below, air crew on board a naval helicopter conducting a surface search for the missing flight MH370.

Below, search efforts for the missing flight #MH370 are still ongoing, around the clock. With many ships and aircraft from nine countries participating in the coordinated operation, the search area has now expanded to cover an area of more than 14,000km².

Approximately 380 nautical miles (700km) North of Singapore, as search operations of pre-assigned sectors progress steadily, the crew of RSS Steadfast and RSS Vigour are constantly on the lookout for any signs of the missing aircraft.

Below, operators on board MV Swift Rescue scanning the seabed to locate possible debris from the missing aircraft.

Meanwhile on board MV Swift Rescue, underwater search operations continue, a time consuming task due to the challenging nature of scanning the underwater environment.

“Every crew of Swift Rescue understands the importance of their contributions here at sea. The nature of underwater search is inherently challenging, however, the crew is working diligently and tirelessly as a team to ensure no efforts and resources are spared in locating the missing MH370.”

- SLTC Chow Khim Chong, Commanding Officer of 192/193 Squadron

 

[OPSSG]

Exercise Cope Tiger 2014

From 10 to 21 March 2014, 76 aircraft, 42 ground-based air defence systems, and about 2,000 personnel from The Republic of Singapore Air Force, Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) and United States Air Force gathered at Korat Air Base, Thailand, for the flying training phase of Exercise Cope Tiger 2014.

This annual trilateral air exercise provides an excellent platform for participants to execute air defence and strike operations to enhance their combat readiness and operational capabilities.

Colonel Benedict Ang, the RSAF Exercise Director for Exercise Cope Tiger 2014, highlighted the significance of this trilateral exercise. "We value the opportunity to train alongside our counterparts from Thailand and the United States in the exercise. It hones our combat skills, enhances our interoperability, and allows us to forge closer cooperation and stronger friendship among the participants," he said.

Exercise Cope Tiger officially concluded on 21 March 2014 with a closing ceremony officiated by Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou; Commander-in-Chief of the RTAF, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong; and Commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces, General Herbert J. Carlisle.

For the exercise, the RSAF deployed various aircraft that included the F-5s, F-15SGs, F-16C/Ds, G-550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft, KC-135 Stratotanker and Super Pumas.

The I-HAWK and SPYDER ground-based air defence systems also participated in Exercise Cope Tiger.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of Exercise Cope Tiger that was held in two phases. The first phase of Exercise Cope Tiger was a command post exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercise Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from 10 to 12 December 2013.

Conducted since 1994, Exercise Cope Tiger seeks to enhance professionalism and interoperability among the participating forces, and foster closer rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel.

 

[Joe Black]

Exercise Cope Tiger 2014 - Giving Back to the Community

Exercise Cope Tiger is more than just a trilateral air exercise to the three participating Air Forces. Every year, the airmen make it a point to set aside time and resources to serve the Thai community.

In a two-day socio-civic programme, the RSAF, along with Royal Thai Air Force and United States Air Force, provided basic health and dental services, as well as eye examinations to the community in the vicinity of Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.

They also helped to build a sports court for the Dan Kwian Wittaya School in order to provide a safe environment for the children to play sports. In another school in the Lopburi province, computers were donated to help the children to improve their education. A sheltered canteen with fans and lights was also built for the students to have meals in a comfortable place.

This socio-civic programme highlights the RSAF’s commitment to build upon the very strong relationship we have with the Thai local community, said Colonel Benedict Ang, the RSAF Exercise Director for Exercise Cope Tiger 2014. “People are very friendly and they welcome us and we are very happy to be back here year after year. This is a small token of our appreciation to the community. And we continue to engage them and build strong ties with the Thai local community,” he said.

Thanks for sharing!

 

[OPSSG]

Hotshot 2014

Below, Viper pilots standing tall during Hotshot 2014, held at Tengah Airbase.

Detachments of the RSAF's F-16D+, F-15SG and F-5S/T taking part in the exercise will join the two resident Viper squadrons at Tengah to take part in the exercise.

Below, a F-16C from 140 Squadron at Hotshot 2014.

Approaching the target from 4,000 feet away, the pilot has the target locked in his sights. He squeezes the trigger and unleashes a string of 20mm rounds on the target, swiftly roaring overhead as low as 200 feet above the ground. Bullseye!

Below, a F-16D+ Fighting Falcon going in for the kill with its Gatling Gun.

Hotshot 2014 challenges the men and machines of the five fighter Squadrons in Air Combat Command to be the best in their craft. Aircrew are put to the test through a series of demanding air-to-air and air-to-ground tasks, including dogfights using only guns and fighting through hostile airspace to strike a simulated ground target.

Below, rounds from the F-16's Gatling Gun hitting the target on Pulau Pawai. Each target has a canvas sheet attached behind for assessment.

Below, competition crew identifying the bullet holes on the canvas sheet attached to the targets on Pulau Pawai.

Below, meeting 145 Squadron's Hornet mascot for the Creative Marshalling event.

Below, 145 Squadron's mascot towering over two F-16D+s from the squadron with their distinctive hornet tail flash. 145 is unique amongst the RSAF's three F-16 squadrons, as all of its 20 block 52+ aircraft have additional avionics, are tandem seaters and every mission is flown with a Pilot and a Weapon System Officer.

Below, in the foreground, a F-5 Tiger from 144 Squadron making its presence felt during Hotshot 2014 with its stunning white tiger tail flash design. In the background, the tail flash of 140 Squadron on a F-16C.

Below, 149 Squadron's F-15SG multi-role fighters preparing for launch during Hotshot 2014.

Besides the tail flash, squadrons taking part also designed their own Hotshot patches to commemorate the event.

Above, is a patch from the 149 Squadron depicting F-15SGs flying in formation and a JDAM heading towards the target.

 

[OPSSG]

Air Warrior Challenge 2014

Below, 127 Squadron's CH-47D Chinook helicopter during the Target Winching challenge.

Below, an AS-332 Super Puma helicopter during the Target Winching challenge.

Below, the Target Winching challenge. Target Winching requires perfect coordination among the Aircrew Specialists and the Pilots on board 123 Squadron's S-70B Naval Helicopter, 125 and 126 Squadrons' AS-332 Super Puma, and 127 Squadron's CH-47D Chinook.

Below, 120 Squadron's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter conducting the air-to-ground 30mm guns firing over Pulau Pawai.

Below, 120 Squadron's AH-64D Apache attack helicopter hitting right on target.

120 Squadron's AH-64D Apaches were also put through their Combat Task paces during the Air-to-Ground 30mm Guns Firing at Pulau Pawai.

Below, 123 Squadron's S-70B Naval Helicopter being launched during Air Warrior Challenge 2014.

The logistics crew of all five helicopter Squadrons also took part in various challenges, such as the before-flight, turn-round and launch operations. During the four-day long competition by Participation Command, the airmen and women worked hard to bring back the coveted title of Best Air Warrior Challenge Helicopter Squadron.

Below, a Super Puma also steps up to the Precision Landing challenge.

.

Below, Quality Assurance assessors agreed and gave their two Thumbs up for the Precision Landing challenge!

Below, Quality Assurance assessors ascertain the accuracy of the precision during the Precision Landing challenge.

Below, supporters to cheer on all the participating crew! Let's Go Team!!

Below, a Chinook hovers into position to land with pinpoint accuracy into allocated boxes marked out on the runway, as part of the precision landing challenge.

Below, Air Force Engineers working on the CH-47D Chinook in a challenge for the Best Logistics title.

Other titles up for grabs included Best Tactical Landing, Best Combat Task and Best Logistics Team.

 

[OPSSG]

First RSAF M346 Trainee Solo Flight

Below, "Cazaux Ground, THUNDER flight of 2 M346 request taxi for Bravo-Hotel Operations." (Taxi request made by Lieutenant Pan Shang Hua in THUNDER 1)

Halfway around the world, at 1248Hrs on 7 April 2014, THUNDER 1 took off from Cazaux Air Base. 35 minutes after take-off, THUNDER 1 landed successfully and safely. The flight marked a major milestone for the RSAF - the RSAF's first M346 solo flight. Lieutenant Pan Shang Hua, from the 153rd Fighter Wing Course was proud to be a part of that milestone. “A first solo flight is always a significant milestone. I feel honoured and privileged to be the first trainee in the RSAF, and in the world, to go solo on the RSAF’s new generation fighter trainer aircraft,” said LTA Pan Shang Hua, 153rd Fighter Wing Course.

LTA Pan with instructor CPT Dennis Lin on his solo flight.

The Alenia Aermachhi M-346 is an Advanced Jet trainer for fighter wings training, operated by our 150 Squadron in Cazaux Airbase in France.

Below, post-flight photo with Mr Mickey Yew (right), crew chief of the aircraft, and his assistant, Mr Ng Swee Huat (left).

Below, LTA Pan (right) with instructor CPT Dennis Lin.

 

[OPSSG]

That Others May Live – Search and Rescue (SAR)

Based at Sembawang Air Base, the Super Pumas brought to the RSAF a new dimension in its operational capabilities in 1985. The RSAF has a dedicated Super Puma painted in red and white for the conduct Search and Rescue (see: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtCioqLp_Fk"]Life on a Line (Search and Rescue - Winching Operations) - YouTube[/nomedia]). Super Puma helicopters from 125 and 126 squadrons are used to conduct troop lift, underslung operations, UN peacekeeping missions, and even counter-piracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden. Singapore as a port provides SAR coverage for sailors in international waters for a large portion of the South China Sea.

Meet Rescue 10 - The crew on board our red and white helicopter that saves lives.

Photos clockwise from left: The rescue crew meeting Ms Lesley Jenkins in hospital; Group shot of Lance Corporal Gladwin Ho, First Warrant Officer Goh Wai Lam, Mdm Lesley Jenkins, Captain (Doctor) Yeo Yi Wen, and Captain Chieng Kwok Wei; The RSAF's Search and Rescue AS-332 Super Puma helicopter taking off for a training mission

Mdm Lesley Jenkins had looked forward to the cruise trip with her husband after getting clearance from her doctors to do so. “But things went wrong,” said the Australian who has been fighting cancer for six years. “I was being treated by the ship's doctors for about four days until they decided that there was no way they could help me, and that I needed to get to a hospital fast.”

The ship was around 150km away from Singapore and our Rescue 10 Search and Rescue helicopter was activated at 2.17am. As the helicopter could not land on the ship, Mdm Jenkins had to be carefully winched from the ship to be flown to Singapore General Hospital.

The crew involved in the rescue mission paid Mdm Jenkins a visit during her recovery and this is what she had to share -

“I could not say more thanks to the gentlemen for helping me. Their professionalism in handling the situation - from getting me onto the helicopter to the medical care given to me, was great,” she said. “Even their lovely, friendly smiles, when I was feeling so rotten, helped.”

Photos anti-clockwise from right: The rescue crew winching up a casualty to the rescue helicopter during a training mission; Rescue 10 helicopter landing at SGH and handing a patient over to medical staff from the hospital during a night mission.

"It is definitely rewarding that we were able to have such an impact on her," said Captain (Doctor) Yeo Yi Wen, the Medical Officer (MO) for the mission. “It was also a humbling experience for me as I had the privilege to participate in Search and Rescue missions such as this, and be able to save lives.” CPT (DR) Yeo was the duty MO that night at 1 Medical Squadron when an announcement broke the silence at 2.17am - "Scramble for Rescue 10". Immediately, the duty crew on 24/7 standby, grabbed their gear and proceeded to the red and white rescue helicopter.

Below, a heli-evacuation of casualty from a commercial vessel on 26 July 2013 by the RSAF.

The RSAF was activated to evacuate a casualty from a commercial container vessel, 150 km from Singapore. The search-and-rescue Super Puma was scrambled and the team evacuated the casualty, who had a head injury and a fractured arm, to Singapore General Hospital. Among the medical crew in this scramble was Corporal First Class (NS) Samuel Siew - a tertiary student who had volunteered for an In-Camp Training during his term break. To learn more about the training of and the role of the SAR Medics in the Air Force, see this video: [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tR9gqqiaNs"]Ep 7: The Search & Rescue Medic (The Combat Medic Specialist: Every Soldier's Lifeline) - YouTube[/nomedia].

“Without them, I wouldn’t be sitting here.”

These were the humbling words of Mr Sjostedt Stig Hakan to our Rescue 10 crew when they visited him in hospital. Mr Hakan had suffered a heart attack and was evacuated in the nick of time by Rescue 10 to the Singapore General Hospital, on the night of 27 April 2014. “I was petrified. I kept having these pains. I didn’t know what they are, but they just hurt,” recalled Mr Hakan as he sat on the hospital bed. “I am extremely lucky and grateful that these people have saved me.”

Mr Hakan was working on a merchant vessel that was more than 200km away from Singapore, when he suffered from chest pain and vomiting. His colleagues on board the vessel immediately sounded the emergency to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore - MPA.

MINDEF was then notified and the request was immediately routed to the RSAF's 24/7 Operations Centre. LTC Vincent Tan, who was the RSAF operations executive that night then assessed the situation to be an emergency and immediately scrambled our Rescue 10 from Sembawang Air Base. A controller from 203 Squadron, MAJ Jeremy Tan was also sent to the Singapore Rescue Coordination Centre to plan and monitor the Rescue 10 mission. Our Ops Centre and control Squadron then monitored the mission throughout, up to the points when Mr Hakan arrived at the hospital and the helicopter returned safely to base.

From left to right: Co-pilot, LTA Cai Cheng Yi; Medic, 3SG Aaron Seah; Medical Officer, CPT(DR) Mathew Yeo; Mr Hakan; Winch Operator, 2WO Lee Hon Meng, and Winchman, 3SG Elijah Xu

 

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Singapore's Chief of Air Force Introductory Visit to Italian Air Force

Chief of Air Force, Major General (MG) Hoo Cher Mou, made his introductory visit to the Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) from 21 to 25 April 2014. During the visit, MG Hoo called on Italian Defence Minister Roberta Pinotti; Chief of the Italian Defence General Staff, Admiral Luigi Binelli Mantelli, and Chief of the Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General Pasquale Preziosa. MG Hoo's introductory visit reaffirmed the bilateral ties between the RSAF and the Italian Air Force.

Above, Singapore's Chief of Air Force, Major General Hoo Cher Mou, together with Chief of the Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General Pasquale Preziosa.

Singapore and Italy Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Defence Cooperation

13 February 2012 -- Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo and Italian Under Secretary of State for Defence Dr Filippo Milone signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defence Cooperation between the Singapore Ministry of Defence and the Italian Ministry of Defence on 13 February 2012.

The MOU facilitates defence cooperation in areas such as defence policy, military education and training, research and development as well as logistics. The signing of the MOU underscores the warm and growing defence relations between Singapore and Italy, as well as both parties' commitment to broadening defence cooperation in mutually beneficial areas. Dr Milone called on Mr Chiang before the signing ceremony held in MINDEF, and they exchanged views on security developments and bilateral defence cooperation. Dr Milone will also visit the Singapore Airshow and call on Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong.

It was a grand and joyous occasion at the Lecce Air Base, Italy, as five of Singaporean pilot trainees graduated from the Third Italian Air Force (Aeronautica Militare) Advanced Fighter Pilot Training Course on 24 April 2014.

The graduation ceremony was graced by Chief of Air Force, MG Hoo Cher Mou, and Chief of the Italian Air Force, Lieutenant General Pasquale Preziosa.

It must have been an extremely proud moment for Lieutenant (LTA) Marvin Koh Ren Jie, LTA Janzen Koh Wei Liang, LTA Koh Ryun Kiat, LTA Lee Tong Sheng and LTA Tan Bo Hao, when MG Hoo presented them with their Pilot Wings.

Additionally, LTA Marvin Koh also received the Best Trainee Award during the ceremony.

Congratulations to the five for earning their wings with the Italian air force!

 

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RSAF Participates in Air Combat Exercise with USAF's F-22s and US Navy's EA-6Bs in Alaska

21 May 2014 -- The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in the United States Air Force (USAF) - hosted Exercise Red Flag - Alaska at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, United States from 8 to 23 May 2014. Originally named Cope Thunder, it was moved to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, from Clark Air Base, Philippines, in 1992 after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo on June 15, 1991 forced the curtailment of operations.

Below, a RSAF F-16C (left) flying alongside with a USAF F-22 (far right) during an aerial refuelling operation as part of Exercise Red Flag-Alaska.

This is also the second time that the RSAF is participating in Exercise Red Flag together with the USAF's F-22 Raptors. The Raptor flew as part of Red Flag, which is conducted three to four times a year at JBER and Eielson Air Force Base.

Below, a RSAF F-16C (left) flying alongside with a KC-135 and two USAF F-22s as part of Exercise Red Flag-Alaska.

"In general there are two common themes with each mission. One, there are many different ways to accomplish a mission and each one may be successful. However, everyone must execute the same plan or else the efforts of each package will cancel, vice providing synergistic effects. Two, no plan survives first contact with the enemy so contingency plans must not only be thorough but also well-communicated," said Maj. Shane Bohlman, 302nd Fighter Squadron F-22 pilot and mission commander.

The RSAF deployed nine F-16C/D fighter aircraft and about 100 personnel from its Peace Carvin II Detachment in Arizona, to engage in this air combat operations exercise together with 67 other aircraft, including the USAF's F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, E-3s airborne early warning aircraft and the US Navy's EA-6B Prowlers from Electronic Attack Squadron 142 (VAQ-142), Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. The Prowler, with its advanced electronic countermeasures capability, flew both as a “red” and “blue” force aircraft during Red Flag - Alaska, providing different training scenarios for each side. VAQ-142 will transition from the Prowler to the EA-18G Growler over the next year, so as the last potential large-force exercise for VAQ-142's Prowlers

Below, an USAF F-22 runs its engines while parked on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER), Alaska May 14, 2014. The 3rd Wing F-22s provide world-class combat power throughout the Pacific Command and North Command battlespaces. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf)

Below, flight line crew preparing the F-16C/Ds prior to the start of the day's operations.

Participants are organized into "Red" aggressor forces and "Blue" coalition forces. "White" forces represent the neutral controlling agency. The Red force includes air-to-air fighters, ground-control intercept, and surface air defense forces to simulate threats posed by potentially hostile nations. These forces generally employ defensive counter-air tactics directed by ground-control intercept sites. Range threat emitters -- electronic devices which send out signals simulating anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missile launches -- provide valuable surface-to-air training and are operated by civilian contractors as directed by USAF's 353d Combat Training Squadron technicians. The Blue force includes US, allied and partner air force units. Because the Red and Blue forces meet in a simulated hostile, non-cooperative training environment, the job of controlling the mock war and ensuring safety falls to the White neutral force.

Below, MAJ Benjamin Lee, the Mission Commander for the day, briefing the overall execution of the day's mission to exercise participants.

On average, more than 1,000 people and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson, and an additional 500 people and 40 aircraft deploy to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, for each Red Flag - Alaska exercise. Most participating units arrive a week prior to the actual exercise. During that time, aircrews may fly one or two range orientation flights, make physical and mental preparations, hone up on local flying restrictions, receive local safety and survival briefings, and work on developing orientation plans.

Below, USAF and RSAF aircrew listening intently to the Mission Commander's brief. Eielson Air Force Base's facebook page has more pictures of the RSAF F-16/Ds, here.

Highlighting the significance of the RSAF's participation in the exercise, Lieutenant Colonel Maximillion Goh, the RSAF Exercise Director for Exercise Red Flag - Alaska, said, "We are pleased to train and operate alongside our USAF counterparts in this large-scale exercise. It hones our operational competencies and allows us to forge closer co-operation and stronger friendship among the participants."

 

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RSAF-RAAF Air-to-Air Refuelling Training

Below, in June, the Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail Airborne Early Warning aircraft trained together with RSAF's KC-135R.

This June 2014 joint RAAF and RSAF training in Singapore comes ahead of the bi-annual multi-lateral Exercise Pitch Black (PB14), from 1 to 22 Aug 2014, and hosted by the Australians from RAAF Bases Darwin and Tindal (near Katherine), utilising airspace in the Delamere Range Facility and Bradshaw Field Training Area in Northern Territory. Beyond providing the RAAF and other militaries with useful training, PB14 strengthens the military-to-military ties of the participating nations (Australia, French Armed Forces in New Caledonia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Singapore, and New Zealand). There are also training activities either side of PB14 including Exercise Southern Frontier 2014 (6 June to 7 July , 2014), Singaporean Air Force Training (14 to 21, July 2014) and Exercise Koolendong (18 August to 18 September, 2014).

Below, a perspective of the air-to-air refueling from the boom-operator's perspective.

Boeing was awarded an Initial Design Activity (IDA) contract in December 1997 for supply of an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and was announced as the preferred tenderer in August 1999. The contract for system acquisition was then signed in December 2000. Australian industry involvement in Project Wedgetail totaled more than $A480 million. Completion of the four aircraft in Australia will increase that Australian industry involvement by $80 million. Strategic industry development activity worth an additional $99 million has also been included with the purchase of the additional aircraft.

Below, the Australians presenting a framed picture of the RAAF E-7A to their hosts.

The program, named Project Air 5077 'Wedgetail' after a native eagle, delivers an integrated AEW&C capability to the RAAF consisting of five segments:

• Airborne Mission Systems (AMS)
• AEW&C Support Facility (ASF)
• Operational Mission Simulator (OMS)
• Operational Flight Trainer (OFT)
• Mission Support Segment (MSS), which also includes Initial Support Period (ISS) for operation, maintenance and support plus through-life-support and the building to house the ground segments.

The Australian AEW&C airborne system combines the new high-performance Boeing 737-700 aircraft with the new technology Northrop-Grumman multi-role electronically-scanned array (MESA) radar. Included in the platform are an advanced identification friend or foe (IFF) system; an expanded passive electronic surveillance system; a flexible open-system architecture and a highly effective self-defence capability.

Below, the E-7A crew also interacted with personnel from 111 SQN and 112 SQN who have been training with them.

The smiles all around reflect the close ties between the RAAF and the RSAF.

Singapore selects Airbus Defence and Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport

7 March 2014

Singapore places firm order for six aircraft.

Airbus Defence and Space has been selected by Singapore to supply six A330 MRTT new generation air-to-air refuelling aircraft for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

The aircraft will be delivered under the terms of a firm contract which has already been signed.

Singapore’s choice of the A330 MRTT makes it the sixth nation to select the type following Australia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom which have ordered a total of 28 aircraft, and India which is in the final stages of contractual negotiations for six aircraft. A total of 17 aircraft are currently in service with the first four nations.

The A330 MRTT is derived from the highly successful A330 commercial airliner and proven in-service as a tanker/transport with multi-role capability.

Airbus Defence and Space Head of Military Aircraft, Domingo Ureña Raso said: “We are greatly honoured by the selection of the A330 MRTT by Singapore. The decision confirms the A330 MRTT’s status as unquestionably the world’s most advanced tanker/transport aircraft as well as its pre-eminent suitability for the Asia-Pacific region.”

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Red Flag 14-3 (Part 1 of 2)

RED FLAG Music Video 14-3: http://youtu.be/NdLd_Je7Mew

The concept of Red Flag was developed by Maj. Moody Suter of the United States Air Force (USAF) to simulate the first 10 combat missions pilots would face.

Exercise Red Flag - Nellis is a realistic combat training multilateral exercise hosted by the USAF. RSAF's Peace Carvin II, Peace Carvin V and Peace Prairie detachments based in the USA are currently participating in this exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, USA.

RSAF pilots will get to train with the USAF and the Armée de l'Air (aka French Air Force) in a variety of realistic combat scenarios involving a variety of state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, bomber aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, electronic warfare aircraft, air superiority aircraft, airlift support, search and rescue aircraft, aerial refueling aircraft, Command and Control aircraft as well as ground based Command and Control, Space, and Cyber Forces. The French participation in Red Fag 14-3 included special operations air crew operating their C-130 to participate in combat search and rescue: http://youtu.be/ZvuFErfurcM

In July 2014, the first wave of RSAF F-15SGs and F16C/Ds took to the skies with our counterparts from the USAF and the Armée de l'Air to fight against USAF "Red" forces or aggressor squadrons. RSAF aircraft and personnel deploy to Nellis make up the exercise's "Blue" forces.

The RSAF has deployed 8 F-15SG and 8 F-16C/D fighter aircraft, 3 CH-47 helicopters, and about 290 personnel from its Peace Carvin II, Peace Carvin V, and Peace Prairie detachments in the United States, to participate in this air combat exercise held from 14 to 26 July 2014. They are exercising with 83 other aircraft, including the USAF's F-22, F-15, F-16 and EA-18G fighter aircraft, and the E-3 airborne early warning aircraft, and a C-130 from the Armée de l'Air. As Tom Vanden Brook reported on 23 June 2014 from Red Flag 14-3:-

"For this round, under a dazzling blue sky and 110-degree Nevada heat, 116 jets, planes and helicopters roar and clatter at all hours. Airmen, mostly American with a sprinkling of allies this time from Singapore and France, face a different scenario each weekday. Air Force units, a year in advance, request the type of training they need most, and it generally reflects threats you read about every day, though the Air Force insists they are not targeting specific countries. The week's schedule shows the various challenges: One day they tackled establishing a no-fly zone by winning the sky against an enemy with surface-to-air missiles and jets – think Libya 2011. On Tuesday they were fighting through sophisticated air defenses to destroy chemical weapons sites, while on Wednesday they tried to overcome surface-to-air missiles (again), finding and destroying mobile missile launchers on sight without the benefit of confirmation from headquarters. On Thursday, they went on a manhunt for a high-value target, and on Friday they were rescuing an airman downed far behind enemy lines.

A common thread is the threat of surface-to-air missiles, the weapon that destroyed Malaysian Airlines Flight 17 last week, killing nearly 300 people. Those anti-aircraft missiles have grown in sophistication in the last 15 years as their guidance systems have been digitized, says Col. Jeff Weed, commander of the 414th Combat Training Squadron. War gamers increase the difficulty of the exercises as the week progresses and pilots improve, Weed says. They also face pilots, like Weed, in opposing jets, attempting to thwart their plans."​

Pilots from the RSAF's Peace Carvin II, Peace Carvin V and Peace Prairie detachments listening to the brief at Red Flag 14-3. By working together, Blue forces utilize the diverse capabilities of their aircraft to execute specific missions, such as air interdiction, combat search and rescue, close air support, dynamic targeting and defensive counter air. These forces use various tactics to attack targets such as mock airfields, vehicle convoys, tanks, parked aircraft, bunkered defensive positions and missile sites.

USAF F-15Cs from the aggressor squadrons. The Red force threats are aligned under the 57th Adversary Tactics Group, which controls seven squadrons of USAF Aggressors, including fighter, space, information operations and air defense units. The Aggressors are specially trained to replicate the tactics and techniques of potential adversaries and provide a scalable threat presentation to Blue forces which aids in achieving the desired learning outcomes for each mission.

Peace Prairie detachment crew preparing the CH-47 Chinook for the next mission. This mock battle in the skies over the Nevada Test and Training Range has yielded results that will increase the combat capability of the RSAF for any future combat situation.

A typical RED FLAG exercise involves a variety of attack, fighter and bomber aircraft (F-15SG, F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, A-10, B-1, B-2, etc.), reconnaissance aircraft (Predator, Global Hawk, RC-135, U-2), electronic warfare aircraft (EC-130s, EA-6Bs and F-16CJs), air superiority aircraft (F-22, F-15C, etc), airlift support (C-130, C-17), search and rescue aircraft (HH-60, HC-130, CH-47), aerial refueling aircraft (KC-130, KC-135, KC-10, etc), Command and Control aircraft (E-3, E-8C, E-2C, etc) as well as ground based Command and Control, Space, and Cyber Forces.

As part of the mid-life upgrade of the CH-47SD Chinook, DSTA spearheaded the aircraft’s modification design and software development to replace the avionics and install new mission systems. With the upgrade, the refreshed avionics system now incorporates new flight control modes and the Personnel Locator System, a sophisticated position and status reporting system. This system, together with a dual rescue hoist, will boost the search and rescue capability of the RSAF. The DSTA team proposed improvements to the software design of the Digital Automatic Flight Control System, enhancing the aircraft's handling qualities and hover accuracy. The team also came up with innovative solutions to overcome interference issues experienced between the systems.

The developments and modifications carried out by the team have enhanced the mission capability and reliability of the aircraft, culminating in the completion of the first series of flight tests in August 2012.

Peace Carvin II crew chiefs and their pilots.

Singapore's Defence Science Technology Agency (DSTA) has been involved in Exercise Forging Sabre (XFS) to strengthen operations-technology integration since 2009. In 2013, XFS involved an integrated live-firing exercise in Arizona, US, to validate the SAF’s integrated strike capabilities in a realistic and challenging environment. To detect, track, execute and strike moving targets is not an easy task. Every soldier, asset and capability must work in concert to deliver an integrated strike. DSTA first developed and deployed a suite of lightweight and declassified command and control information systems (CCIS) to enable the conduct of XFS in 2009. Since then, observations and lessons from subsequent exercises have been gathered by the DSTA team to develop, validate and enhance these capabilities.

In XFS 2013, the team developed a tablet-based collaborative whiteboarding feature which was well received by the operators. The team went on to solicit feedback on how to enhance collaboration within the command post. DSTA’s involvement in XFS has provided DSTA engineers with valuable opportunities to learn from their operational partners about their work processes and concept of operations. The continued evolution of CCIS capabilities is a strong testament to the close partnership between the servicemen and the DSTA team.