Republic of Singapore Air Force

In January 1968, the British announced the imminent withdrawal of all their troops east of Suez by the end of 1971. Prior to then, Singapore had depended completely on Britain's Royal Air Force (RAF) for its air defence, while the newly established Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had concentrated its efforts mainly on building up the Singapore Army. The predecessor to the RSAF, the SADC, was formed on 1 September 1968. The SADC's immediate task was to set up the Flying Training School to train pilots. Qualified flying instructors were obtained through Airwork Services Limited, a UK-based company specialising in defence services. Basic training for pilots was carried out using two Cessna light aircraft hired from the Singapore Flying Club. The SADC also enlisted the help of the Royal Air Force which introduced the first flying training syllabus and provided two ex-RAF pilots as instructors, as well as facilities and services at Seletar Airport. Finally, the first batch of six pilot trainees were sent to the United Kingdom in August 1968 to undergo training in various technical disciplines. The training was based on the Hawker Hunter, the SADC's first air defence fighter. The following month, another pioneer group of technicians, this time from the rotary wing, were sent to France to begin their technical training on the Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopter. In 1969, a number of local RAF technicians were released to join the fledgling SADC. These local technicians (local other ranks) had experience working on fixed-wing RAF aircraft such as the Hawker Hunter, Gloster Javelin, English Electric Canberra, English Electric Lightning and Avro Shackleton;[3] as well as rotary-wing RAF aircraft such as the Bristol Belvedere, Westland Wessex and Westland Whirlwind.[3]

Eight Cessna 172K aircraft – the SADC's first – arrived in May 1969 to be used for basic pilot training.[4] By December, the first batch of students completed the course. Of these, six were sent to the UK to receive further training. On their return to Singapore in 1970, they were ready to operate the then newly acquired Hawker Hunter fighter aircraft.

The pace of training pilots and ground crew picked up gradually. On 1 August 1969, Minister for the Interior and Defence, Lim Kim San, inaugurated the Flying Training School (FTS) at Tengah Air Base (then known as RAF Tengah). The inauguration of FTS brought SADC closer to its goal of fulfilling the heavy responsibility of defending Singapore's airspace.

The subsequent arrival of the BAC Strikemasters in 1969, used for advanced phase flying training, meant that pilot trainees were now able to earn their initial wings locally rather than overseas. The first batch of locally trained fighter pilots were trained at the FTS and graduated in November 1970. Amongst this batch was 2LT Goh Yong Siang, who later rose to the appointment of Chief of Air Force on 1 July 1995. Gradually, the SADC had its own pilots, flying instructors, air traffic controllers, and ground crew.

When Britain brought forward its plan to withdraw its forces by September 1971, the SADC was suddenly entrusted with a huge responsibility and resources. Britain's former air bases – Tengah, Seletar, Sembawang and Changi – were handed over to the SADC, as well as its air defence radar station and Bloodhound II surface-to-air missiles.

In 1973, the SADC procured Shorts Skyvan search-and-locate aircraft and Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter-bombers. With a reliable mix of fighters, fighter-bombers, helicopters and transport aircraft, the SADC was ready to assume the functions of a full-fledged air force. On 1 April 1975, the SADC was renamed the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).[2]

One of its first commanders was LTC Ee Tean Chye.[5][6]

Retired roundel used from 1973 to 1990

The RSAF celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2018 with the theme "Our Home, Above All".[7] 50 years of RSAF history can be accessed here. The RSAF celebrated its Golden Jubilee with an extended flypast during the national day parade on 9 August and also performed 2 sessions of aerial display at the Marina Barrage on 11 and 12 August.[8] RSAF history factsheet can be accessed here.

Combat Operations:

• 2004-2008: Multi-National Force – Iraq. Aircraft participated in the Iraq War and returned home after two or three months deployment in the Persian Gulf without any ground troops involved. Singapore's withdrawal was acknowledged on 23 December 2008.
• May 2007 - June 2013: International Security Assistance Force. Deployment of close to 500 personnel including Singapore Air Force soldiers as part of Singapore's contributions to the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in War in Afghanistan (2001–present)[9]
• 2014–Present: Military intervention against ISIL. Offering military aid in the ongoing War on Terror with a KC-135 and assistant intelligence analysts.[10][11]

The RSAF is led by the Chief of the Air Force (CAF) and Air Force Command Chief.[12] The Air Staff comprises six functional departments: Air Manpower, Air Intelligence, Air Operations, Air Engineering and Logistics, Air Plans and Air Training. There are also two specialist departments: the Air Force Inspectorate (AFI) and the Office of the Chief Air Force Medical Officer (CAMO).[13]

An F-5S of 144 Sqn preparing for take-off.

An F-16C of 140 Sqn.

Demonstration of a M-113A2 Ultra Mechanised Igla IFU on deployment, visible in the background is an I-HAWK SAM launcher.

Exercise Forging Sabre 2009, an RSAF's IAI Searcher II UAV parked inside the hangar of Henry Post Army Airfield, United States.

• Changi Air Base (West)
  • 121 Sqn 10 Fokker 50 (Transport), 8 Fokker 50 ME2 (Maritime patrol)
• Changi Air Base (East)
  • 112 Sqn 5 Airbus A330 MRTT (Aerial refuelling)
  • 145 Sqn 20 F-16D Blk 52+ (Strike)
• Paya Lebar Air Base
  • 122 Sqn 10 C-130H (Transport), 5 KC-130B (Transport/Aerial refuelling)
  • 142 Sqn 20 F-15SG[23]
  • 149 Sqn 20 F-15SG
• Sembawang Air Base
  • 120 Sqn 20 AH-64E Longbow Apache (Attack)
  • 123 Sqn 8 S-70B Seahawks (ASW)
  • 124 Sqn 5 EC120 Colibri (Training)
  • 125 Sqn 32 AS332M Super Puma (Transport/SAR)
  • 126 Sqn 20 AS532UL Cougar (Transport/SAR)
  • 127 Sqn 6 CH-47D, 12 CH-47SD (Heavylift)
• Tengah Air Base
  • 111 Sqn 4 G550 (AEW & C)
  • 116 Sqn Hermes 450 (Reconnaissance)
  • 140 Sqn 9 F-16C (Interceptor), 6 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)
  • 143 Sqn 5 F-16C (Interceptor), 8 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)
  • RSAF Black Knights – RSAF's aerobatic team.
• Chong Pang Camp SADA (Singapore Air Defence Artillery)
  • 3rd DA RBS-70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
  • 6th DA RBS-70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
  • 9th DA RBS-70 SAM, IGLA SAM, Giraffe Radar
  • 18th DA RBS-70 SAM, Mistral SAM
  • 165 Sqn Rapier SAM, RBS-70 SAM, SPYDER SAM
• Lim Chu Kang Camp II SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
  • 163 Sqn Raytheon I-HAWK SAM (Medium altitude air defence)(*being replaced by Aster 30 SMTP)
  • 160 Sqn Oerlikon 35 mm AA Guns (Airfield defence)
• Choa Chu Kang Camp
  • 201 Sqn FPS 117 Radar (Fighter control, SAM control, Surveillance, ASP)
• Other assets of SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
  • 203 Sqn LORADS Radar (RASP, SAR, "listening watch" for distress signals)
• Murai Camp
  • 119 Sqn IAI Heron (Reconnaissance)
  • 128 Sqn 400 IAI Searcher (Reconnaissance)
• Classified
  • 200 Sqn 'Air Defence'
  • 202 Sqn 'Network Management'[24]

A TA-4SU on the flightline of Cazaux Air Base

• BA 120 Cazaux Airbase (France)[25]
  • 150 Sqn, 12 × Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master[26]
• Redmond Taylor AHP – Grand Prairie AASF (Grand Prairie, Texas)
  • 149th AVN, 6 × CH-47SD (Peace Prairie CH-47 Training)[27]
• Luke Air Force Base (United States)
  • 425 FTS, 8 × F-16C, 6 × F-16D (Peace Carvin II F-16 Training)[28]
• Mountain Home Air Force Base (United States)
  • 428 FTS, 10 × F-15SG, (Peace Carvin V F-15 Training)[29]
• Oakey Army Aviation Centre (Australia)
  • Oakey Detechment, Republic of Singapore Air Force, 6 × CH-47D (Training/Support for army exercises)
• RAAF Base Pearce (Australia)
  • 130 Sqn, 19 × PC-21 (Basic Training)[30]
• Silverbell Army Heliport (United States)
  • E/1-285th AVN, 8 × AH-64SG (AH-64SG Training)[31]
• Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (Thailand)
  • For F-16 Training Purpose with Royal Thai Air Force[32]

The backbone of the RSAF is formed by the Block 52/52+ F-16 Fighting Falcons. These are armed with US-supplied AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles and LANTIRN targeting pods, laser guided munitions and conformal fuel tanks for long-range strike.

While Singapore initially bought as many as 70 F-16 planes, on 18 November 2004, it was announced that the RSAF would offer its remaining 7 F-16A/Bs to the Royal Thai Air Force. It is believed that these early Block 15OCU aircraft were upgraded to "Falcon One" standard by ST Aerospace before the transfer and delivered in late 2005. In return, the RSAF was permitted to train at the Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base in north-east Thailand for a specified number of days each year. This would mean that the RSAF will operate only the Block 52/52+ model, as many as 62 F-16CJ/DJ planes.

Due to severe airspace constraints within Singapore, the RSAF operates its aircraft at several overseas locations to provide greater exposure to its pilots. With the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, KC-135R Stratotankers, AH-64D Apaches and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters based in the United States, the Marchetti S-211s, PC-21s, and Super Puma helicopters in Australia, and the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master in France, almost one third of the force's inventory is based outside Singapore.

In 1994, the RSAF commenced a modernisation program for its fleet of approximately 49 operational (R)F-5E and F-5F aircraft. The upgrade was performed by Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAero) and the upgraded aircraft were designated (R)F-5S and F-5T respectively, operating from Paya Lebar Air Base. These upgraded F-5S/T, equipped with the Galileo Avionica's FIAR Grifo-F X-band Radar[33][34][35] are thought to be capable of firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile but to date, no actual live-firing has actually been reported. For in-flight refuelling, four KC-135Rs and four KC-130Bs are commissioned to support the fighter force of F-16C/Ds and (R)F-5S/Ts.

Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) capability was introduced in 1987 when four E-2C Hawkeyes were delivered to 111 Squadron. The duty of Maritime Patrol and Coastal surveillance is performed by the eight Fokker 50 MPA (entered service in 1991) of 121 Squadron, which can be armed with long-range anti-shipping AGM-84 Harpoon missiles and ASW torpedoes.

As part of its fleet renewal process, the RSAF officially withdrew its fleet of ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawk from front-line service on 31 March 2005 after 31 years of operations. The A-4SUs' achievements included flying directly from Singapore to the Philippines, incorporating the RSAF's first air-to-air refuelling mission in 1986, as well as the excellent aerobatic display of the 'red and white' Super Skyhawks flown by the RSAF Black Knights during Asian Aerospace 1990.[36] A month before its retirement, the Skyhawk squadron won top honours in a strike exercise against its more modern F-16 and F-5 counterparts.

Singapore ordered a total of twenty AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters in two batches. After a long period of negotiations over the delivery of the sophisticated Longbow Fire-control radar, the first batch of eight aircraft, fitted with the Fire Control Radar, was delivered on 17 May 2002.[37] The second batch of 12 Apaches were ordered in 2001 even before the first delivery took place.[38] All of the initial eight Apaches are based in the United States. Three of the Apache Longbows returned in January 2006 at the request of the Minister of Defence.

Apart from the fifteen CH-47SDs delivered from 1996, a new batch of fifteen aircraft was ordered in 1997, with an option of four extra airframes. At least 30 CH-47SD have been delivered and are in service at Sembawang Air Base. It is believed that these had been upgraded to the SD standard prior to delivery.

Eight CH-47SDs were also deployed to support the relief efforts in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. It was the first and one of the few countries to reach the affected areas. The RSAF deployed dozens of C-130Hs, CH-47SDs and AS 332Ms there along with three of the RSN's latest Landing Ship Tanks (RSS Endurance, RSS Persistence and RSS Endeavour of the Endurance class LST) as well as Singapore Armed Forces vehicles, engineers, and medical teams.

In September 2005, the RSAF sent three CH-47SD Chinook helicopters, later augmented by a fourth CH-47SD Chinook, to provide assistance in the rescue and evacuation of stranded civilians after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and nearby areas in the United States.[39] The humanitarian effort by Singapore involved more aircraft than any other foreign countries.[40]

Since 2003, the RSAF has also made deployments of KC-135 tankers and C-130 aircraft to the Persian Gulf in support of the multinational efforts for the reconstruction of Iraq. RSAF personnel have carried out airlift, transportation and supply, and air-to-air refuelling missions in support of the multinational forces, assisting the Coalition in carrying supplies and personnel, transporting humanitarian material and conducting medical evacuation operations.[41][42] In September 2013, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen stated in a parliamentary reply that Singapore would soon acquire the Aster 30 land-based missile system.[43]

RSAF day is celebrated on 1 September annually, in 2018 a combined flypast including the new A330 MRTT with a special 50th anniversary livery took place at Tengah Air Base.[44][45]

Military ranks in the Singapore Armed Forces are identical across the three services except for the flag ranks of the RSN. They are based on the Army model. The official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services.[46] NATO rank codes are not officially used, but are listed here for easy comparison with other armed forces.

Like the Navy, the majority of Air Force personnel are regulars. This is due to the specialised and technical nature of many jobs. The employment of National Servicemen in various roles are limited mostly to the infantry-like Field Defence Squadrons which do not require such specialised training.

F-15SG of the 428th Fighter Squadron at Mountain Home Air Force Base

In February 2003, Singapore joined the JSF program's System Design and Development (SDD) Phase, as a Security Co-operation Participant (SCP).[47][48] The first deliveries of the F-35 Lightning II are not expected before 2015, but replacement for the bulk of the A-4SUs was needed by 2007. As a start, 20 F-16D Block 52+ have been delivered from 2003 under project Peace Carvin IV.

The RSAF embarked on its Next Generation Fighter (NGF) programme to replace the ageing A-4SUs. The original list of competitors was shortlisted to the final two – Dassault Rafale and the Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle. The F-15SG is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle and is similar in configuration to the F-15K sold to South Korea, but differs in the addition of the APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by Raytheon. The F-15SG is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 29,400 lbf (131 kN) thrust engines. The DSTA (Defense Science & Technology Agency) conducted detailed technical assessment, simulations and other tests to assess the final selection. On 6 September 2005, it was announced that the F-15SG had won the contract over the Rafale.[49] An initial order placed in 2005 for 12 aircraft with 8 options. On 22 October 2007, Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) exercised the option to purchase eight more F-15SG fighters as part of the original contract signed in 2005. Along with this buy, an additional order for four F-15SGs was made, bringing the total number of F-15SGs purchased by the start of 2008 to 24.

A Singapore Peace Triton S-70B being guided by a member of the RSN on the flight line of Naval Air Station North Island

In January 2005, it was announced that 6 Sikorsky S-70B (derivative of SH-60 Seahawk) naval helicopters will be purchased, complete with anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and sensors.[50] 2 more Seahawks were ordered in 2013.[51] The Seahawks are operated by RSAF pilots, with System Specialists of the Republic of Singapore Navy operating the sensors and weaponry. They operate from the Navy's new Formidable class frigates, and when operating from land are based at Sembawang Air Base. All 20 AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters have been delivered to the RSAF. 12 of these were deployed back to Singapore and took part in combined arms exercises with the Army, with the remaining 8 helicopters being part of the Peace Vanguard detachment based in the United States.

In April 2007, it was announced that the 4 E-2C Hawkeyes were to be replaced with 4 Gulfstream G550s fitted with the IAI EL/W-2085 radar which would become the primary airborne early warning aircraft for the RSAF.[52][53] Not included in the deal is an additional G550 as an AEW trainer, which will be acquired and maintained by ST Aerospace on behalf of RSAF.[54]

An RSAF C-130 Hercules over Darwin International Airport

In July 2010, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master was selected by the RSAF to replace the A-4SU in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, currently based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France.[55][56] In a press release by the MINDEF on 28 September 2008, ST Aerospace had been awarded the contract to acquire twelve M-346 and a ground based training system on behalf of RSAF. As stipulated in the contract, ST Aerospace will act as the main contractor to maintain the aircraft after delivery by Alenia Aermacchi while Boeing would supply the training system. Delivery date is scheduled from 2012 onwards.[57][58][59]

The backbone of the transport fleet are the four KC-130B, one KC-130H and five C-130H Hercules transport aircraft, which are expected to remain in service through 2030, will be undergoing an extensive modernisation process to bring all ten existing airframes to the same common standard. The first airframe, a KC-130B, was returned to frontline service on 21 September 2010. ST Aerospace, the main contractor behind the project, is expected to upgrade the other nine airframes for the RSAF within the next seven years. Included in the package is the replacement of cockpit flight management system with a modern glass cockpit avionics suite, central engine displays to replace analogue gauges, improved voice communications, digital autopilot, flight director as well as a digital weather radar, which will make the aircraft Global Air Traffic Management-compliant. Also, the C-130Bs will receive an auxiliary power unit and environmental control system in common with the C-130Hs. Once the upgrade is completed, this will effectively give the RSAF five KC-130Hs and five C-130Hs.[60][61]

In December 2010, the RSAF issued a letter of request to inspect stored ex-US Navy P-3C Orion aircraft that have been retired from active duty. Lockheed Martin believes the RSAF has a requirement of 4 to 5 of these aircraft, which would be modernised extensively before reintroduction into active service.[62]

On 30 June 2018, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced that the F-16's replacement will be announced soon. Meanwhile, the KC-135Rs are being replaced by the A330 MRTT while replacements for other fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are announced.[63]

On 18 January 2019, MINDEF officially confirmed the procurement of F-35s for a full evaluation of their capabilities and suitability before deciding on a full fleet to replace the aging F-16 fleet.[64] On 1 March 2019, MINDEF announced that they will send a Letter of Request(LOR) to purchase 4 F-35s with an option of 8 more after the evaluation.[65] On 9 January 2020 the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency approved a possible sale to Singapore of four F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variants with the option to purchase an additional eight F-35Bs and up to 13 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines and other related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.750 billion[66]

• List of Republic of Singapore Air Force squadrons
• MAAF (Singapore Wing)
• Singapore Armed Forces ranks

Citations

Bibliography

• About the FlightGlobal Group | AirSpace Announcement

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Republic of Singapore Air Force.

• Official website
• Journal of the Singapore Armed Forces – Contains scholarly articles on military issues, including those pertaining to the SAF's transformation into a 3rd Generation Fighting Force
• RSAF Airforce News 2005 (.pdf format)
• MINDEF, The NS Portal, accessed 23 October 2006.
• Ranks and Paramilitary Ranks of Singapore, accessed 23 October 2006.
• United States Department of State, Background notes on Singapore, accessed 23 October 2006.