Republic of Singapore Air Force
Encyclopedia
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF, ; ; ) is the air arm
of the Singapore Armed Forces
. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC). In 1975, it was renamed as the Republic of Singapore 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 in 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 specializing 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 fledging 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
; as well as rotary-wing RAF aircraft such as the Bristol Belvedere
, Westland Wessex
and Westland Whirlwind. It was also noted that the Israeli Defence Force Team assisted with the creation of the SADC.
Eight Cessna 172-K aircraft – the SADC’s first – arrived in May 1969 to be used for basic pilot training. 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).
One of its first commanders was LTC Ee Tean Chye.
Ng Chee Meng. The CAF reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force and is assisted by the Chief of Staff (Air Staff), BG Wong Huat Sern. The Chief Warrant Officer of Air Force is ME5 Andrew Koh. The Air Staff comprises six functional departments: Air Manpower, Air Intelligence, Air Operations, Air 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).
The organisation chart below shows the administrative chain of command with seven formations: Tengah Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base, Changi Air Base (West), Changi Air Base (East), Sembawang Air Base, Air Defence Systems Division (ADSD) and the Tactical Air Support Command (TASC).
In 5 January 2007, Defence minister Teo Chee Hean
announced that the Air Force organisation chart will be re-structured into five major commands, namely the Air Defence Operations Command (ADOC), the Air Combat Command (ACC), the Participation Command (PC), the Air Power Generation Command (APGC) and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command (UC). The first to be inaugurated was ADOC, along the restructuring announcement.
ADOC is the principal agency in charge of planning and executing peacetime operations and air defence. ADOC is also responsible for the development and operational readiness of the command and control and ground-based air defence units of the RSAF. ADOC has 4 groups are its command. There are Operations Planning and Development Group (OPDG), formerly under Air Operations Department, Air Force Operations Group (AFOG), National Air Defence Group (ADG), Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG).
UAV Command was the second command to be inaugurated and become operational in May 2007. The main structures under UC are Operations & System Development Group (OSDG), headed by the Deputy Commander of UC and Squadrons and UAV Training School (UTS).
The next command to be inaugurated was PC in January 2008. Participation Command comprises the Operations Development Group (ODG), the Helicopter Group (HeliG), the Tactical Air Support Group (TASG), and the Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG).
The last two commands, ACC and APGC, were inaugurated together in August 2008 in conjunction with the RSAF 40th Anniversary. The ACC will bring together fighter and transport squadrons under one command, with central planning, control and execution of the air battle in operations. The APGC will enhance the missions of the ACC by ensuring that all air bases remain operational at all times, as well as improving the servicing and turn-around of aircraft to ensure continuous and responsive operations.
The ACC is responsible for the planning, control and execution of the air battle in operations. It brings together all fighter and transport squadrons that will carry out these tasks under a single command which will be responsible for training the pilots and aircrew to think and operate in a fully integrated way. The ACC consists of the Integrated System Development Group (ISDG), Operations Development Group (ODG), Integrated System Development Group (ISDG), Fighter Group (FG) and Transport Group (TG).
The APGC is set up to enable the RSAF to generate and sustain effective, timely and robust air power to meet the operational needs of the SAF. With the APGC, higher operational efficiency within each RSAF Air Base, and secondly, greater integration across the four bases are achieved. The APGC consists of the Operations Development Group (ODG) and four air bases: Changi Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base, Sembawang Air Base and Tengah Air Base. The four support squadrons still remain organic to each Base but are under direct command of APGC. These four squadrons are: Airfield Maintainece Squadron (AMS), Ground Logistics Squadron (GLS), Field Defence Squadron (FDS) and Flying Support Squadron (FSS).
s. These are armed with US-supplied AIM-120C AMRAAM
missiles and LANTIRN
targeting pods, laser guided munitions and conformal fuel tank
s for long-range strike.
While Singapore initially bought as many as 70 F-16 planes, on November 18, 2004, it was announced that the RSAF would donate its remaining 7 F-16A/B's 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 in order to provide greater exposure to its pilots. With the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, KC-135R Stratotanker
s, AH-64D Apache
s and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters based in the USA, the Marchetti S-211
s, PC-21
s, and Super Puma
helicopters in Australia
, and the TA-4SU Super Skyhawks 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 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 five 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 March 31, 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. 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. The second batch of 12 Apaches were ordered in 2001 even before the first delivery took place. All of the initial eight Apaches are based in the USA. Three of the Apache Longbows returned in January 2006 at the request of the Minister of Defence.
Apart from the six CH-47SDs delivered from 1996, a new batch of six aircraft was ordered in 1997, with an option of four extra airframes. At least 12 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 Indonesian 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. The humanitarian effort by Singapore
involved more aircraft than any other foreign countries.
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 refueling missions in support of the multinational forces, assisting the Coalition
in carrying supplies and personnel, transporting humanitarian material and conducting medical evacuation operations.
. They are based on the Army model. The official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services. 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 specialized 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.
The F-15SG Strike Eagle 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 will be powered by two General Electric
F110-GE-129
29400 lbf (130.8 kN) thrust engines.
In February 2003, Singapore joined the JSF program's System Design and Development (SDD) Phase, as a Security Co-operation Participant (SCP). The first deliveries of the F-35 are not expected before 2015, but replacement for some of the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks 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 aging A-4SU Super Skyhawks. The original list of competitors was shortlisted to the final two - Dassault Rafale
and the F-15SG Strike Eagle. 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 Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle had won the contract over the Rafale.
The initial order is for 12 aircraft with 8 options. Eventually, as many as 40 to 60 aircraft may be procured in several batches. Pending news on Lockheed Martin
's F-35 Lightning II
's progress, more F-15SGs may be bought, with the upper limit, as disclosed by the RSAF, being 80 F-15SG aircraft in total. 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 to 24.
In January 2005, it was announced that 6 Sikorsky S-70
B (derivative of SH-60 Seahawk
) naval helicopters will be purchased, complete with anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and sensors. These will be operated by RSAF pilots, with System Specialists of the Republic of Singapore Navy
operating the sensors and weaponry. They will operate from the Navy's new Formidable class frigate
s, and when operating from land will be based at Sembawang Air Base. All 20 AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters have been delivered, achieving pilot IOC. 12 of these Longbow Apaches were deployed back to Singapore and took part in combined arms exercises with the Army.
In April 2007, it was announced that the 4 E-2C Hawkeyes were to be replaced with 4 Gulfstream G550s which would become the primary airborne early warning aircraft for the RSAF. 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.
In July 2010, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master was selected by the RSAF to replace the A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, currently based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France. And in a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence
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.
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 airframe 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 refueller KC-130Hs and five Cargo C-130Hs.
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 modernized extensively before reintroduction into active service.
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Hawker Hunter
— 12× FGA.74, 26× FR.74A/B, and 8× T.75/A (excluding one T.75A which was lost in accident before delivery) were delivered to RSAF in 1970 and 1973. Upgraded in late 1970s by Lockheed Aircraft Services Singapore (LASS), the type was redesignated as FGA.74S, FR.74S and T.75S. Retired and phased out of service in 1992, only 4 were preserved as museum exhibits and gate guards while the remaining 21 airworthy airframes was sold to an Australian Warbird
broker, Pacific Hunter Aviation Pty, in 1995. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon — 4× F-16As and 4× F-16Bs delivered in 1988 under the Peace Carvin I program, one F-16A was lost following a mid-air collision with another F-16A over South China Sea in 1990. All surviving airframes were retired in 2002 and was subsequently upgraded locally to "Falcon One" standard by ST Aerospace before being transferred to Royal Thai Air Force
in 2004. Short SC.7 Skyvan
— 6× Skyvan 3Ms delivered in 1973 and retired in 1993. BAC Jet Provost
— 5× T.52s (ex-South Yemen Air Force airframe) operated from the 1975 until 1980. BAC Strikemaster — total 25 received (16× Mk.84s delivered in 1969 from UK plus 4× Mk.81s from South Yemen in 1975 and another 5× Mk.82s from Oman in 1977), all were retired in 1984 with one airframe preserved at the RSAF Museum while the remaining 13 airworthy airframes were sold to a Warbird broker. Cessna 172
— 8× F172Ks delivered in 1969, retired in 1972. Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star — 20× T-33As (ex-French Air Force
airframes), operated from 1980 until retired in 1985. SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 — 14× SF.260Ms delivered in 1971 plus 12× SF.260Ws delivered in 1979 and 1981. All remaining 19 airworthy airframes retired in 2002 and transferred to the Indonesian Air Force
. SIAI-Marchetti S.211
— Since 1984, 32× S.211s were acquired for RSAF's Basic Jet Training (BJT) program (this figure includes 24 airframes which were assembled locally by Singapore Aircraft Industries
plus two former Haitian aircraft acquired as attrition replacements in 1994). Phased out from June 2008, of the remaining 25 airworthy S.211s, 21 were sold off to International Air Parts (IAP) Group Australia Pty Ltd in 2009 while 4 were shipped back to Singapore, being preserved as museum exhibits.
Aérospatiale Alouette III
— 8× SA316Bs delivered in 1969, retired and transferred to Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1978. Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil — 7× AS350Bs for basic helicopter training, all delivered between 1981/82 and retired in 1992. Eurocopter AS550 Fennec
— 6× AS550A2 + 14× AS550C2, all delivered in 1991 and was retired in December 2006. Subsequently, the six AS550A2 were sold off to Chadian Air Force in 2010. Bell UH-1B — 20× UH-1Bs (refurbished ex-US Army airframes not including 10 spares) for advance helicopter training, operated from 1980 until 1988. Bell UH-1H — total 25 acquired, all are now retired except for 7 airframes which were refurbished and modernized before resale to the Philippine Air Force
in a 2003 deal. Bell UH-1N Twin Huey — 3× UH-1Ns (military version of the Bell 212 Twin Huey) delivered in 1977, all retired in 1985 and sold to Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air force
An air force, also known in some countries as an air army, is in the broadest sense, the national military organization that primarily conducts aerial warfare. More specifically, it is the branch of a nation's armed services that is responsible for aerial warfare as distinct from an army, navy or...
of the Singapore Armed Forces
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC). In 1975, it was renamed as the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
Mission statement
The following excerpts was taken from the official website of the Republic of Singapore Air Force: -History
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 ForceRoyal Air Force
The Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
(RAF) for its air defence, while the newly established Singapore Armed Forces
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
(SAF) had concentrated its efforts mainly on building up the Singapore Army
Singapore Army
The Singapore Army is the branch of the Singapore Armed Forces responsible for land operations. It is the largest of the three armed services and heavily reliant on a conscript army, comprising the majority of Singapore's Operationally Ready National Servicemen .-Capabilities:The mission of the...
.
The predecessor to the RSAF, the SADC, was formed in 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
Airwork Services
During the post-war period Airwork also further expanded its business into civil aviation. This expansion was financed by its wealthy shareholders, including Lord Cowdray, Whitehall Securities, the Blue Star shipping line, Furness Withy and Thomas Loel Evelyn Bulkeley Guinness.Airwork's other air...
, a UK-based company specializing 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
Seletar Airport
"RAF Seletar" & "Seletar Airbase/Airfield" redirects here.Seletar Airport is a civilian airport located at Seletar, in the northeastern region of Singapore, and is managed by the Changi Airport Group...
. Finally, the first batch of six pilot trainees were sent to the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
in August 1968 to undergo training in various technical disciplines. The training was based on the Hawker Hunter
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
, 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
Aérospatiale Alouette III
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by Sud Aviation. It was manufactured by Aérospatiale of France, and under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India as Hal Chetak and Industria Aeronautică Română in Romania.The Alouette III is the...
helicopter. In 1969, a number of local RAF technicians were released to join the fledging SADC. These local technicians (local other ranks)
Other Ranks
Other Ranks in the British Army, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force are those personnel who are not commissioned officers. In the Royal Navy, these personnel are called ratings...
had experience working on fixed-wing RAF aircraft such as the Hawker Hunter, Gloster Javelin
Gloster Javelin
The Gloster Javelin was an "all-weather" interceptor aircraft that served with Britain's Royal Air Force in the late 1950s and most of the 1960s...
, English Electric Canberra
English Electric Canberra
The English Electric Canberra is a first-generation jet-powered light bomber manufactured in large numbers through the 1950s. The Canberra could fly at a higher altitude than any other bomber through the 1950s and set a world altitude record of 70,310 ft in 1957...
, English Electric Lightning
English Electric Lightning
The English Electric Lightning is a supersonic jet fighter aircraft of the Cold War era, noted for its great speed and unpainted natural metal exterior finish. It is the only all-British Mach 2 fighter aircraft. The aircraft was renowned for its capabilities as an interceptor; Royal Air Force ...
and Avro Shackleton
Avro Shackleton
The Avro Shackleton was a British long-range maritime patrol aircraft for use by the Royal Air Force. It was developed by Avro from the Avro Lincoln bomber with a new fuselage...
; as well as rotary-wing RAF aircraft such as the Bristol Belvedere
Bristol Belvedere
The Bristol Type 192 Belvedere is a British twin-engine, tandem rotor military helicopter built by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It was designed for a variety of transport roles including troop transport, supply dropping and casualty evacuation...
, Westland Wessex
Westland Wessex
The Westland Wessex is a British turbine-powered version of the Sikorsky S-58 "Choctaw", developed under license by Westland Aircraft , initially for the Royal Navy, and later for the Royal Air Force...
and Westland Whirlwind. It was also noted that the Israeli Defence Force Team assisted with the creation of the SADC.
Eight Cessna 172-K aircraft – the SADC’s first – arrived in May 1969 to be used for basic pilot training. 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
Lim Kim San
Lim Kim San ; was a Singaporean politician. He was credited for leading the successful public housing program in the Southeast Asian city-state during the early 1960s, which eased the acute housing shortage problem at that time....
, 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
Seletar Airport
"RAF Seletar" & "Seletar Airbase/Airfield" redirects here.Seletar Airport is a civilian airport located at Seletar, in the northeastern region of Singapore, and is managed by the Changi Airport Group...
, Sembawang and Changi
Changi Air Base
Changi Air Base or Changi Air Base ', formerly the RAF Changi, is a military airbase of the Republic of Singapore Air Force located at Changi, in the eastern tip of Singapore...
– 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
Short SC.7 Skyvan
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London: Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10014-X.-External links:****...
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).
One of its first commanders was LTC Ee Tean Chye.
Organisation
The RSAF is led by the Chief of the Air Force (CAF). The current CAF is Major GeneralMajor General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Ng Chee Meng. The CAF reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force and is assisted by the Chief of Staff (Air Staff), BG Wong Huat Sern. The Chief Warrant Officer of Air Force is ME5 Andrew Koh. The Air Staff comprises six functional departments: Air Manpower, Air Intelligence, Air Operations, Air 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).
The organisation chart below shows the administrative chain of command with seven formations: Tengah Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base, Changi Air Base (West), Changi Air Base (East), Sembawang Air Base, Air Defence Systems Division (ADSD) and the Tactical Air Support Command (TASC).
Teo Chee Hean
Teo Chee Hean is a politician from Singapore. A member of the governing People's Action Party , he is currently the country's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs and Co-ordinating Minister for National Security, and a Member of Parliament for the Pasir Ris-Punggol Group...
announced that the Air Force organisation chart will be re-structured into five major commands, namely the Air Defence Operations Command (ADOC), the Air Combat Command (ACC), the Participation Command (PC), the Air Power Generation Command (APGC) and the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command (UC). The first to be inaugurated was ADOC, along the restructuring announcement.
ADOC is the principal agency in charge of planning and executing peacetime operations and air defence. ADOC is also responsible for the development and operational readiness of the command and control and ground-based air defence units of the RSAF. ADOC has 4 groups are its command. There are Operations Planning and Development Group (OPDG), formerly under Air Operations Department, Air Force Operations Group (AFOG), National Air Defence Group (ADG), Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG).
UAV Command was the second command to be inaugurated and become operational in May 2007. The main structures under UC are Operations & System Development Group (OSDG), headed by the Deputy Commander of UC and Squadrons and UAV Training School (UTS).
The next command to be inaugurated was PC in January 2008. Participation Command comprises the Operations Development Group (ODG), the Helicopter Group (HeliG), the Tactical Air Support Group (TASG), and the Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG).
The last two commands, ACC and APGC, were inaugurated together in August 2008 in conjunction with the RSAF 40th Anniversary. The ACC will bring together fighter and transport squadrons under one command, with central planning, control and execution of the air battle in operations. The APGC will enhance the missions of the ACC by ensuring that all air bases remain operational at all times, as well as improving the servicing and turn-around of aircraft to ensure continuous and responsive operations.
The ACC is responsible for the planning, control and execution of the air battle in operations. It brings together all fighter and transport squadrons that will carry out these tasks under a single command which will be responsible for training the pilots and aircrew to think and operate in a fully integrated way. The ACC consists of the Integrated System Development Group (ISDG), Operations Development Group (ODG), Integrated System Development Group (ISDG), Fighter Group (FG) and Transport Group (TG).
The APGC is set up to enable the RSAF to generate and sustain effective, timely and robust air power to meet the operational needs of the SAF. With the APGC, higher operational efficiency within each RSAF Air Base, and secondly, greater integration across the four bases are achieved. The APGC consists of the Operations Development Group (ODG) and four air bases: Changi Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base, Sembawang Air Base and Tengah Air Base. The four support squadrons still remain organic to each Base but are under direct command of APGC. These four squadrons are: Airfield Maintainece Squadron (AMS), Ground Logistics Squadron (GLS), Field Defence Squadron (FDS) and Flying Support Squadron (FSS).
Overview
The backbone of the RSAF is formed by the Block 52/52+ F-16 Fighting FalconF-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
s. These are armed with US-supplied AIM-120C AMRAAM
AIM-120 AMRAAM
The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM , is a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Designed with the same form-factor as the previous generation of semi-active guided Sparrow missiles, it is a fire-and-forget...
missiles and LANTIRN
LANTIRN
Low Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night, or LANTIRN, is a combined navigation and targeting pod system for use on the USAF's premier fighter aircraft — the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon...
targeting pods, laser guided munitions and conformal fuel tank
Conformal fuel tank
Conformal fuel tanks are additional fuel tanks fitted closely to the profile of an aircraft which extend either the range or "time on station" of the aircraft, with a reduced aerodynamic penalty compared to external drop tanks....
s for long-range strike.
While Singapore initially bought as many as 70 F-16 planes, on November 18, 2004, it was announced that the RSAF would donate its remaining 7 F-16A/B's to the Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
. It is believed that these early Block 15OCU aircraft were upgraded to "Falcon One" standard by ST Aerospace
ST Aerospace
Singapore Technologies Aerospace is a subsidiary of ST Engineering based in Singapore, with international offices and facilities located in key aviation hubs in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the US...
before the transfer and delivered in late 2005. In return, the RSAF was permitted to train at the Udon Royal Thai Air Force Base
Udon Thani International Airport
Udonthani International Airport is an airport located near the city of Udon Thani in Udon Thani Province in the northeast region of Thailand. It is approximately 280 miles northeast of Bangkok...
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 in order to provide greater exposure to its pilots. With the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, KC-135R Stratotanker
KC-135 Stratotanker
The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an aerial refueling military aircraft. It and the Boeing 707 airliner were developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype. The KC-135 was the US Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratotanker...
s, AH-64D Apache
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
s and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters based in the USA, the Marchetti S-211
Aermacchi S-211
The Aermacchi S-211 is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft designed and originally marketed by SIAI Marchetti as the S.211. Some 60 aircraft have been sold to air forces around the world. Aermacchi bought the production rights in 1997...
s, PC-21
Pilatus PC-21
|-See also:-External links:*http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com*http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/pc_21**...
s, and Super Puma
Eurocopter Super Puma
The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter marketed for both civil and military use. Originally designed and built by Aérospatiale, it is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aérospatiale Puma...
helicopters in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, and the TA-4SU Super Skyhawks 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 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
Lockheed Martin KC-130
The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refuelling. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps, with 38 delivered out of 47 ordered...
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
E-2 Hawkeye
The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the...
were delivered to 111 Squadron. The duty of Maritime Patrol and Coastal surveillance
Maritime patrol
Maritime patrol is the task of monitoring areas of water. Generally conducted by military and law enforcement agencies, maritime patrol is usually aimed at identifying human activities....
is performed by the five 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 March 31, 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
RSAF Black Knights
The Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight...
during Asian Aerospace 1990. 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
AH-64 Apache
The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-engine attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew. The Apache was developed as Model 77 by Hughes Helicopters for the United States Army's Advanced Attack Helicopter program to replace the...
attack helicopters in two batches. After a long period of negotiations over the delivery of the sophisticated Longbow Fire-control radar
Fire-control radar
A fire-control radar is a radar which is designed specifically to provide information to a fire-control system in order to calculate a firing solution...
, the first batch of eight aircraft, fitted with the Fire Control Radar, was delivered on 17 May 2002. The second batch of 12 Apaches were ordered in 2001 even before the first delivery took place. All of the initial eight Apaches are based in the USA. Three of the Apache Longbows returned in January 2006 at the request of the Minister of Defence.
Apart from the six CH-47SDs delivered from 1996, a new batch of six aircraft was ordered in 1997, with an option of four extra airframes. At least 12 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 Indonesian Tsunami
2004 Indian Ocean earthquake
The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake was an undersea megathrust earthquake that occurred at 00:58:53 UTC on Sunday, December 26, 2004, with an epicentre off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. The quake itself is known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake...
. 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
Endurance class landing platform dock ship
The Endurance class landing platform dock ships are the largest class of ships in the Republic of Singapore Navy . They were designed and built locally by Singapore Technologies Marine to replace the old County class tank landing ships...
) as well as Singapore Armed Forces
Singapore Armed Forces
The Singapore Armed Forces is the military arm of the Total Defence of the Republic of Singapore; as well as the military component of the Ministry of Defence. The SAF comprises three branches: the Singapore Army, the Republic of Singapore Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Navy...
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
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
struck New Orleans and nearby areas in the United States. The humanitarian effort by Singapore
Singaporean response to Hurricane Katrina
Following that devastation of the United States Gulf Coast by Hurricane Katrina, the Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, sent a letter to US President George W...
involved more aircraft than any other foreign countries.
Since 2003, the RSAF has also made deployments of KC-135 tankers and C-130 aircraft to the Persian Gulf
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf, in Southwest Asia, is an extension of the Indian Ocean located between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula.The Persian Gulf was the focus of the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq War, in which each side attacked the other's oil tankers...
in support of the multinational efforts for the reconstruction of Iraq
Reconstruction of Iraq
Investment in post-2003 Iraq refers to international efforts to rebuild the infrastructure of Iraq since the Iraq War in 2003.Along with the economic reform of Iraq, international projects have been implemented to repair and upgrade Iraqi water and sewage treatment plants, electricity production,...
. RSAF personnel have carried out airlift, transportation and supply, and air-to-air refueling missions in support of the multinational forces, assisting the Coalition
Multinational force in Iraq
The Multi-National Force – Iraq was a military command, led by the United States, which was responsible for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Multi-National Force – Iraq replaced the previous force, Combined Joint Task Force 7, on 15 May 2004, and was later itself reorganized into its successor, United...
in carrying supplies and personnel, transporting humanitarian material and conducting medical evacuation operations.
Air Bases
- Changi Air Base (West)
- 112 Sqn 4 KC-135R (Aerial refuelling)
- 121 Sqn121 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 121 Squadron "Brahminy Kite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force currently operates the Fokker F-50 Utility Aircraft and Maritime Patrol Aircraft based at Changi Airbase...
4 Fokker 50 (Transport), 5 Fokker 50 ME2 (Maritime patrol)
- Changi Air Base (East)
- 145 Sqn145 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 145 Squadron "Hornet" is a strike fighter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force based currently at Changi Airbase which is a new airbase, opened in 2004, to the east of Singapore Changi Airport on reclaimed land...
20 F-16D Blk 52+ (Strike)
- 145 Sqn
- Paya Lebar Air Base
- 122 Sqn 6 C-130H (Transport), 4 KC-130B (Transport/Aerial refuelling)
- 141 Sqn 6 F-5S (Interceptor), 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor) - Disbanded since Nov 2005 with aircraft being reassigned to 144 and 149 Sqn.
- 144 Sqn144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 144 Squadron "Blackite" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Dare To Excel" with the Black Kite adopted as its mascot.-History:...
15 F-5S (Interceptor), 7 F-5T (Training/Interceptor) - 149 Sqn149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 149 Squadron "Shikra" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fighter-bomber squadron based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Steadfast" with the Shikra adopted as its mascot.-History:...
15 F-5S (Interceptor), 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor); currently transitioning to the F-15SG (Strike), received 5 F-15SG to date.
- Sembawang Air Base
- 120 Sqn120 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 120 Squadron "Kestrel" is a helicopter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force based at Sembawang Air Base. First formed in 1969, it is the first and oldest RSAF operational squadron in service. The squadron goes by the motto of "Strive To Achieve"...
20 AH-64D Longbow Apache (Attack) - 123 Sqn 6 S-70B Seahawks (ASW)
- 124 Sqn 4 EC120 Colibri (Training)
- 125 Sqn125 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 125 Squadron "Puma" is a helicopter squadron base at Sembawang Air Base, Republic of Singapore Air Force, the squadron goes by the motto of "Swift In Support", with the Puma as the squadron's motif.-Unit History:...
22 AS332M Super Puma (Transport/SAR) - 126 Sqn126 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 126 Squadron "Cougar" is a helicopter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The squadron goes by the motto "Ready and Able", with the Cougar adopted as the squadron's motif.-Unit History:...
12 AS332M1 Cougar (Transport/SAR) - 127 Sqn127 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 127 Squadron is a helicopter squadron base at Sembawang Air Base , Republic of Singapore Air Force, the squadron goes by the motto of "Strength, Courage, Swiftness", the motto is supported by the squadron motif, a white horse in full battle armour....
6 CH-47D, 12 CH-47SD (Heavylift)
- 120 Sqn
- Tengah Air Base
- 111 Sqn111 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 111 Squadron "Jaeger" was formed when the Republic of Singapore Air Force acquired four Grumman E-2C Hawkeye Airborne Early Warning aircraft in 1987. Based at Tengah Air Base, its primary function is to perform airborne surveillance and early warning...
4 G550 (AEW & C) - 140 Sqn140 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 140 Squadron "Osprey" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto "Stand Firm in Defence" with the Osprey adopted as its mascot.-History:The Squadron was set up in...
9 F-16C (Interceptor), 6 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike) - 142 Sqn 18 T/A-4SU Super Skyhawks (Fighter-bomber) - disbanded in 2004.
- 143 Sqn143 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 143 Squadron "Phoenix" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Airbase, it specialises in intercepting aerial targets, assisting the air-to-ground operations of sister squadron, the 140 Squadron...
5 F-16C (Interceptor), 8 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike) - RSAF Black KnightsRSAF Black KnightsThe Black Knights is the official aerobatics team of the Republic of Singapore Air Force featuring six F-16C Fighting Falcons in formation flight...
- RSAF's aerobatic team.
- 111 Sqn
- Chong Pang CampChong Pang CampChong Pang Camp is located in the North of Singapore, next to Sembawang Air Base and opposite Chong Pang City in Yishun New Town. The camp is operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force...
SADA (Singapore Air Defense 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 Mistral SAM
- 160 Sqn Oerlikon 35 mm AA Guns (Airfield defence)
- Lim Chu Kang Camp II SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
- 163 Sqn I-HAWK SAM (Medium altitude air defence)
- 165 Sqn165 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 165 Squadron is an Air Defence Group squadron of the Air Defence Operations Command, Republic of Singapore Air Force. It operates the Rapier missile purchased from British Aerospace since 1983, providing air defence cover against low-flying aircraft....
Rapier Blindfire SAM (Low altitude air defence)
- Other assets of SADA (Singapore Air Defense Artillery)
- 201 Sqn FPS 117 Radar (Fighter control, SAM control, Surveillance, ASP)
- 203 Sqn LORADS Radar (RASP, SAR, "listening watch" for distress signals)
- Murai Camp
- 116 Sqn Hermes 450 (Reconnaissance)
- 128 Sqn 40 IAI Searcher (Reconnaissance)
Personnel
Military ranks in the Singapore Armed Forces are identical across the three services except for the flag ranks of the RSNRepublic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
. They are based on the Army model. The official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services. NATO rank codes are not officially used, but are listed here for easy comparison with other armed forces.
Like the Navy
Republic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
, the majority of Air Force personnel are regulars. This is due to the specialized 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.
Overseas detachments (Training)
- BA 120 Cazaux Airbase (France)
- 150 Sqn, 18 × A-4SU / TA-4SU (Advanced Jet Training) As of February 2011, eleven Super Skyhawks remained in service, four of which are single-seater A-4SUs while the other seven are twin-seater TA-4SUs.
- Redmond Taylor AHP - Grand Prairie AASF (Grand Prairie, Texas)
- 149th AVN, 6 × CH-47SD (Peace Prairie CH-47 Training)
- Luke Air Force BaseLuke Air Force BaseLuke Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located seven miles west of the central business district of Glendale, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. It is also about west of Phoenix, Arizona....
(USA)- 425 FTS425th Fighter SquadronThe 425th Fighter Squadron is part of the 56th Operations Group at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. It operates the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting advanced fighter training....
, 8 × F-16C, 6 × F-16D (Peace Carvin II F-16 Training)
- 425 FTS
- Mountain Home Air Force BaseMountain Home Air Force BaseMountain Home Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in southwestern Idaho, United States. The base is in Elmore County, 12 miles southwest of the city of Mountain Home, which is 40 miles southeast of Boise, via Interstate 84.The host unit at Mountain Home since 1972...
(USA)- 428 FTS428th Fighter SquadronThe 428th Fighter Squadron is part of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Currently, it operates F-15SG Strike Eagle aircraft conducting formal training missions to qualify Republic of Singapore Air Force crew in the F-15SG under the auspices of Peace Carvin...
, 10 × F-15SG, (Peace Carvin V F-15 Training)
- 428 FTS
- Oakey Army Aviation CentreOakey Army Aviation CentreOakey Army Aviation Centre is situated approximately 3 km from the town centre of Oakey in Queensland, Australia. It provides a training establishment for Australian Army Aviation, and also hosts a Singapore Armed Forces Helicopter Squadron, namely the 126 Squadron.-History:The base has a...
(Australia)- 126 Sqn126 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air ForceThe 126 Squadron "Cougar" is a helicopter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. The squadron goes by the motto "Ready and Able", with the Cougar adopted as the squadron's motif.-Unit History:...
, 12 × AS532UL Cougar (Training/Support for army exercises)
- 126 Sqn
- RAAF Base PearceRAAF Base PearceRAAF Base Pearce is the main RAAF base in Western Australia. The base is located in Bullsbrook, north of Perth. It is used for training by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force...
(Australia)- 130 Sqn, 19 × PC-21 (Basic Training)
- Silverbell Army Heliport (USA)
- E/1-285th AVN, 8 × AH-64D (Peace Vanguard AH-64D Training)
Future plans
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
, but differs in the addition of the APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar developed by Raytheon
Raytheon
Raytheon Company is a major American defense contractor and industrial corporation with core manufacturing concentrations in weapons and military and commercial electronics. It was previously involved in corporate and special-mission aircraft until early 2007...
. The F-15SG will be powered by two General Electric
General Electric
General Electric Company , or GE, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation incorporated in Schenectady, New York and headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, United States...
F110-GE-129
General Electric F110
-External links:* - The F110 Engine Family* - F110-GE-100 Gallery* - F110* - General Electric F110...
29400 lbf (130.8 kN) thrust engines.
In February 2003, Singapore joined the JSF program's System Design and Development (SDD) Phase, as a Security Co-operation Participant (SCP). The first deliveries of the F-35 are not expected before 2015, but replacement for some of the ST Aerospace A-4SU Super Skyhawks 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 aging A-4SU Super Skyhawks. The original list of competitors was shortlisted to the final two - Dassault Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
and the F-15SG Strike Eagle. 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 Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle had won the contract over the Rafale.
The initial order is for 12 aircraft with 8 options. Eventually, as many as 40 to 60 aircraft may be procured in several batches. Pending news on Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area....
's F-35 Lightning II
F-35 Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, fifth generation multirole fighters under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability...
's progress, more F-15SGs may be bought, with the upper limit, as disclosed by the RSAF, being 80 F-15SG aircraft in total. 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 to 24.
In January 2005, it was announced that 6 Sikorsky S-70
Sikorsky S-70
The Sikorsky S-70 is a medium transport/utility helicopter family manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. It was developed for the U.S. Army in the 1970s, winning a competition to be designated the UH-60 Blackhawk and spawning a large family in U.S. military service...
B (derivative of SH-60 Seahawk
SH-60 Seahawk
The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant airframe modification is a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.The...
) naval helicopters will be purchased, complete with anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and sensors. These will be operated by RSAF pilots, with System Specialists of the Republic of Singapore Navy
Republic of Singapore Navy
The Republic of Singapore Navy is the naval component of the Singapore Armed Forces , responsible for the defence of Singapore against sea-borne threats and protection of its sea lines of communications. Operating within the crowded littoral waters of the Singapore Strait, the RSN is regarded as...
operating the sensors and weaponry. They will operate from the Navy's new Formidable class frigate
Formidable class frigate
The Formidable class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest surface platforms to enter into service with the Republic of Singapore Navy, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate. The frigates are key information nodes and fighting units, and are described...
s, and when operating from land will be based at Sembawang Air Base. All 20 AH-64D Longbow attack helicopters have been delivered, achieving pilot IOC. 12 of these Longbow Apaches were deployed back to Singapore and took part in combined arms exercises with the Army.
In April 2007, it was announced that the 4 E-2C Hawkeyes were to be replaced with 4 Gulfstream G550s which would become the primary airborne early warning aircraft for the RSAF. 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.
In July 2010, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master was selected by the RSAF to replace the A-4SU Super Skyhawks in the Advanced Jet Training (AJT) role, currently based at BA 120 Cazaux Air Base in France. And in a press release by the Singaporean Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Defence (Singapore)
The Ministry of Defence is a ministry of the Government of Singapore entrusted with overseeing the national defence needs of the Republic of Singapore. It is the headquarters of the Singapore Armed Forces...
on 28 September 2008, ST Aerospace
ST Aerospace
Singapore Technologies Aerospace is a subsidiary of ST Engineering based in Singapore, with international offices and facilities located in key aviation hubs in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the US...
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.
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 airframe 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
Flight management system
A flight management system is a fundamental part of a modern airliner's avionics. An FMS is a specialized computer system that automates a wide variety of in-flight tasks, reducing the workload on the flight crew to the point that modern aircraft no longer carry flight engineers or navigators. A...
with a modern glass cockpit
Glass cockpit
A glass cockpit is an aircraft cockpit that features electronic instrument displays, typically large LCD screens, as opposed to the traditional style of analog dials and gauges...
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
Global Air Traffic Management
Global air-traffic management is a concept for satellite-based communication, navigation, surveillance and air traffic management. The Federal Aviation Administration and the International Civil Aviation Organization, a special agency of the United Nations, established GATM standards to keep air...
-compliant. Also, the C-130Bs will receive an auxiliary power unit
Auxiliary power unit
An auxiliary power unit is a device on a vehicle that provides energy for functions other than propulsion. They are commonly found on large aircraft, as well as some large land vehicles.-Function:...
and environmental control system
Environmental Control System
The environmental control system of an aircraft provides air supply, thermal control and cabin pressurization for the crew and passengers...
in common with the C-130Hs. Once the upgrade is completed, this will effectively give the RSAF five refueller KC-130Hs and five Cargo C-130Hs.
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 modernized extensively before reintroduction into active service.
Weaponry
| Type | Country of Origin | Role | Quantity | Program |
| Air-to-Air Missiles | ||||
| AIM-9J/P/S Sidewinder AIM-9 Sidewinder The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range, air-to-air missile carried mostly by fighter aircraft and recently, certain gunship helicopters. The missile entered service with United States Air Force in the early 1950s, and variants and upgrades remain in active service with many air forces... |
SRAAM | 200/264/96 | AIM-9S: Peace Carvin II | |
| AIM-9X Sidewinder | SRAAM | 200 | Peace Carvin V | |
| AIM-120C5/C7 AMRAAM AIM-120 AMRAAM The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM , is a modern beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile capable of all-weather day-and-night operations. Designed with the same form-factor as the previous generation of semi-active guided Sparrow missiles, it is a fire-and-forget... |
BVRAAM | 200 | Peace Carvin V | |
| AIM-7M Sparrow AIM-7 Sparrow The AIM-7 Sparrow is an American, medium-range semi-active radar homing air-to-air missile operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy and United States Marine Corps, as well as various allied air forces and navies. Sparrow and its derivatives were the West's principal beyond visual... |
MRAAM | 70 | Peace Carvin II | |
| Python-4 | AAM | 600 | ? | |
| Derby | BVRAAM | ? | ? | |
| Air-to-Surface Missiles/Rockets/Bombs | ||||
| GBU-10 GBU-10 Paveway II American Paveway-series laser-guided bomb, based on the Mk 84 general-purpose bomb, but with laser seeker and wings for guidance. Introduced into service c. 1976. Used by USAF, US Navy, US Marine Corps, RAAF and various NATO air forces.... /GBU-12 GBU-12 Paveway II The GBU-12 PAVEWAY II laser-guided bomb is an American aerial bomb, based on the Mk 82 500-pound general-purpose bomb, but with the addition of a nose-mounted laser seeker and fins for guidance. A member of the PAVEWAY series of weapons, PAVEWAY II entered into service c. 1976. It is currently in... /GBU-16 Paveway II GBU-16 Paveway II The GBU-16 Paveway II is an American Paveway-series laser-guided bomb, based on the Mk 83 general-purpose bomb, but with laser seeker and wings for guidance. It was introduced into service around 1976. It is used by USAF, US Navy, US Marine Corps, and various NATO air forces. It uses a 1,000 pound... |
Laser-Guided Bomb | 28/56/? | Peace Carvin IV | |
| GBU-31(V)1/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to... |
GPS/INS Guided Bomb | 100 | ? | |
| GBU-38/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to... |
GPS/INS Guided Bomb | 50 | Peace Carvin V | |
| GBU-54/B JDAM Joint Direct Attack Munition The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs" into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System receiver, giving them a published range of up to... |
GPS/INS/Laser-Guided Bomb | 670 | ? | |
| AGM-65B/D/G Maverick AGM-65 Maverick The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile designed for close-air support. It is effective against a wide range of tactical targets, including armor, air defenses, ships, ground transportation and fuel storage facilities.... |
Air-to-Ground Missile | 248 | ? | |
| BGM-71B TOW BGM-71 TOW The BGM-71 TOW is an anti-tank missile. "BGM" is a weapon classification that stands for "Multiple Environment , Surface-Attack , Missile ". "TOW" is an acronym that stands for "Tube-launched, Optically-tracked, Wire command data link, guided missile"... |
Air-to-Ground Missile | 200 | ? | |
| AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire AGM-114 Hellfire The AGM-114 Hellfire is an air-to-surface missile developed primarily for anti-armor use. It has multi-mission, multi-target precision-strike capability, and can be launched from multiple air, sea, and ground platforms. The Hellfire missile is the primary 100 lb-class air-to-ground precision... |
Air-to-Ground Missile | 192 | Peace Vanguard | |
| AGM-154A-1/C JSOW AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon is the product of a joint venture between the United States Navy and Air Force to deploy a standardized medium range precision guided weapon, especially for engagement of defended targets from outside the range of standard anti-aircraft defenses, thereby... |
Air-to-Ground Missile | 60 | Peace Carvin V | |
| AGM-84 Harpoon Boeing Harpoon The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas . In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977... |
Anti-Ship Missile | 44 | ? | |
| CRV7 CRV7 The CRV7, short for "Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7", is a 2.75 inch folding-fin ground attack rocket produced by Bristol Aerospace in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was introduced in the early 1970s as an upgraded version of the standard US 2.75 inch air-to-ground rockets... |
70mm Rocket | ? | ? | |
| Hydra 70 Hydra 70 The Hydra 70 rocket is a weapon derived from the 70 mm Mk 4/Mk 40 Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket developed by the United States Navy for use as a free-flight aerial rocket in the late 1940s.-Overview:... (APKWS Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System is a developmental program to provide a laser guided missile which is compatible with existing Hydra 70 unguided rocket systems in service.-Overview:... ) |
70mm Rocket | 9,120 | Peace Vanguard | |
| SNEB SNEB The SNEB rocket is an unguided air-to-ground rocket projectile manufactured by the French company TDA Armements, designed for launch by combat aircraft and helicopters. Two other rockets were developed in the and caliber... |
68mm Rocket | ? | ? | |
| Zuni Zuni (rocket) The Zuni is a unguided rocket deployed by the United States armed forces. The rocket was developed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. It can be used to carry various types of warheads, including chaff for countermeasures. It is usually fired from the LAU-10 rocket pod holding four... |
127mm Rocket | ? | ? | |
| Mk 82 Mark 82 bomb The Mark 82 is an unguided, low-drag general-purpose bomb, part of the U.S. Mark 80 series. The explosive filling is tritonal.-Development and deployment:... /Mk83 Mark 83 bomb The Mark 83 is part of the Mark 80 series of low-drag general-purpose bombs in United States service.-Development & deployment:The nominal weight of the bomb is 1,000 lb , although its actual weight varies between 985 lb and 1,030 lb , depending on fuze options, and fin configuration... /Mk84 Mark 84 bomb The Mark 84 is an American general-purpose bomb, it is also the largest of the Mark 80 series of weapons. Entering service during the Vietnam War, it became a commonly used US heavy unguided bomb to be dropped, second only to the BLU-82 "Daisy Cutter" then in service and presently third only to... |
(500/1000/2000 pound) General Purpose Bombs | ? | ? | |
| Surface-to-Air Missiles/Air Defense Artillery/Radar | ||||
| MIM-23B I-Hawk MIM-23 Hawk The Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk is a U.S. medium range surface-to-air missile. The Hawk was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight. The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete. It was... |
SAM | 12 launchers + 500 missiles | ? | |
| Mistral Mistral missile Mistral is an infrared homing surface-to-air missile manufactured by the European multinational company MBDA missile systems . Based on the French SATCP , the portable missile later to become the Mistral began development in 1974... |
SAM - MANPADS | 500 missiles | ? | |
| Rapier Mk II Rapier missile Rapier is a British surface-to-air missile developed for the British Army and Royal Air Force. Entering service in 1971, it eventually replaced all other anti-aircraft weapons in Army service; guns for low-altitude targets, and the English Electric Thunderbird, used against longer-range and... |
SAM | 12 launchers + 500 missiles | ? | |
| 9K38 Igla | SAM - MANPADS | 30 launchers + 440 missiles | ? | |
| Mechanised Igla | Mobile SAM (SHORAD Short Range Air Defense Short Range Air Defense is a term used to describe a group of anti-aircraft weapons and tactics that have to do with defense against low-altitude air threats, primarily helicopters and low-flying close air support aircraft such as the A-10 or MiG-27... ) |
30 | ? | |
| RBS 70 RBS 70 RBS 70 is a man-portable air-defense system designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. Originally designed and manufactured by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence... |
SAM - MANPADS | 25 launchers + 500 missiles | ? | |
| Cadillac Gage V-200 RBS 70 RBS 70 RBS 70 is a man-portable air-defense system designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. Originally designed and manufactured by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence... |
Mobile SAM (SHORAD) | 25 | ? | |
| Rafael SPYDER SPYDER The SPYDER is an anti-aircraft missile system developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, which is fitted atop a Czech Tatra truck... |
Mobile SAM (SHORAD) | ? | ? | |
| Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon The Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon is a towed anti-aircraft gun made by Oerlikon Contraves . The system was originally designated as 2 ZLA/353 ML but this was later changed to GDF-001... |
AA Gun | 34× GDF-001 + 24× GDF-002 | ? | |
| Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area.... AN/FPS-117 AN/FPS-117 The AN/FPS-117 is a phased array, 3-dimensional air search radar. It is produced by the Lockheed Martin corporation from the United States.The system is a low power, long range , L-band pencil beam, solid-state transmitter and beacon interrogator search radar... |
Phased array Phased array In wave theory, a phased array is an array of antennas in which the relative phases of the respective signals feeding the antennas are varied in such a way that the effective radiation pattern of the array is reinforced in a desired direction and suppressed in undesired directions.An antenna array... 3-D Air Search Radar |
1 | ? | |
| Lockheed Martin P-STAR | Portable Search & Target Acquisition Radar | ? | ? | |
| Ericsson Ericsson Ericsson , one of Sweden's largest companies, is a provider of telecommunication and data communication systems, and related services, covering a range of technologies, including especially mobile networks... GIRAFFE-S / GIRAFFE-AMB GIRAFFE Radar The Saab GIRAFFE Radar is a family of land and naval two- or three-dimensional G/H-band radar-based surveillance and air defense command and control systems tailored for operations with medium- and Short Range Air Defense missile or gun systems or for use as gap-fillers in a larger air defense... ) |
Mobile Air Defense Radar | 4/2 | ? |
Current
| Type | Country of Origin | Role | Quantity | Program |
| Fixed Wing Combat Aircraft | 143 | |||
| Boeing Boeing The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation, founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington. Boeing has expanded over the years, merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Boeing Corporate headquarters has been in Chicago, Illinois since 2001... F-15SG Strike Eagle |
Air superority/Strike | 24 | Peace Carvin V | |
| Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin is an American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area.... F-16C Block 52 Fighting Falcon |
Interceptor | 22 | Peace Carvin II | |
| Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon | Strike | 20 | Peace Carvin | |
| Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon | Strike | 20 | Peace Carvin | |
| Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon | Interceptor/Strike | 12 | CONUS | |
| Northrop Northrop Corporation Northrop Corporation was a leading United States aircraft manufacturer from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman in 1994. The company is known for its development of the flying wing design, although only a few of these have entered service.-History:Jack... F-5S Tiger II |
Interceptor | 32 | ? | |
| Northrop F-5T Tiger II | Interceptor/Trainer | 9 | ? | |
| Northrop RF-5S Tigereye | Reconnaissance/Interceptor | 8 | ? | |
| Helicopters | 80 | |||
| CH-47D/CH-47SD Chinooks | Heavy Transport | 6/12 | Peace Prairie | |
| Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter marketed for both civil and military use. Originally designed and built by Aérospatiale, it is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aérospatiale Puma... |
Medium transport/Search And Rescue | 22 | ? | |
| Eurocopter AS-532UL Cougar | Medium Transport | 12 | ? | |
| Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow | Attack | 20 | Peace Vanguard | |
| Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk | ASW/ASuW | 6 (o/o) | Peace Triton | |
| Transport/Aerial Refuelling Aircraft | 18 | |||
| Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker | Aerial Refuelling/Transport | 4 | Peace Guardian | |
| Lockheed C-130H Hercules | Heavy Transport | 5 | ? | |
| Lockheed KC-130B/H Lockheed Martin KC-130 The Lockheed Martin KC-130 is the basic designation for a family of the extended-range tanker version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft modified for aerial refuelling. The KC-130J is the latest variant operated by the United States Marine Corps, with 38 delivered out of 47 ordered... |
Aerial Refuelling/Transport | 5 | ? | |
| Fokker 50UTL | Medium Transport/VIP | 4 | ? | |
| Support Aircraft | 13 | |||
| Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye | AEW & C | 4 | ? | |
| Fokker F50ME2 | Maritime Patrol | 5 | ? | |
| Gulfstream G550 with the EL/M-2075 Phalcon AESA Active Electronically Scanned Array An Active Electronically Scanned Array , also known as active phased array radar is a type of phased array radar whose transmitter and receiver functions are composed of numerous small solid-state transmit/receive modules . AESAs aim their "beam" by broadcasting radio energy that interfere... AEW radar. |
/ | AEW & C | 4 (o/o) | ? |
| Trainer Aircraft | 54 | |||
| Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master | Advanced/Lead-in Jet Trainer | 12 (o/o) | ? | |
| Pilatus PC-21 Pilatus PC-21 |-See also:-External links:*http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com*http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/pc_21**... |
Basic Trainer | 19 | ? | |
| ST Aerospace A-4SU/TA-4SU Super Skyhawk | Advanced/Lead-in Jet Trainer | 4/7 | ? | |
| Eurocopter EC120 Colibri | / / | Trainer | 5 | total 10 ordered |
| UAV | 45 | |||
| Elbit Hermes 450 Elbit Hermes 450 -Operators: *In June 2008, Azerbaijan ordered ten Hermes 450, choosing it over other drone models because of its "'invisibility' for the enemy's anti-aircraft defense." On September 12, 2011, a UAV was reportedly shot down by the air defense arm of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army over the... UAV |
Reconnaissance | 5 | ? | |
| IAI Heron IAI Heron The IAI Heron is a Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle developed by the Malat division of Israel Aerospace Industries. It is capable of Medium Altitude Long Endurance operations of up to 52 hours' duration at up to 35,000 feet... |
Reconnaissance | ? | ? | |
| IAI Searcher IAI Searcher |-See also:-References:This article contains material that originally came from the web article by Greg Goebel, which exists in the Public Domain.... |
Reconnaissance | 40 | ? | |
| IAI Scout IAI Scout |-References:This article contains material that originally came from the web article by Greg Goebel, which exists in the Public Domain.... |
Reconnaissance | 60 | in reserves | |
Fixed-wing aircraft
Hawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
— 12× FGA.74, 26× FR.74A/B, and 8× T.75/A (excluding one T.75A which was lost in accident before delivery) were delivered to RSAF in 1970 and 1973. Upgraded in late 1970s by Lockheed Aircraft Services Singapore (LASS), the type was redesignated as FGA.74S, FR.74S and T.75S. Retired and phased out of service in 1992, only 4 were preserved as museum exhibits and gate guards while the remaining 21 airworthy airframes was sold to an Australian Warbird
Warbird
Warbird is a term used, predominantly in North America, to describe vintage military aircraft.- Naming :Although the term originally implied piston-driven aircraft from the World War II era, it is now often extended to include all military aircraft, including jet-powered aircraft, that are no...
broker, Pacific Hunter Aviation Pty, in 1995. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon — 4× F-16As and 4× F-16Bs delivered in 1988 under the Peace Carvin I program, one F-16A was lost following a mid-air collision with another F-16A over South China Sea in 1990. All surviving airframes were retired in 2002 and was subsequently upgraded locally to "Falcon One" standard by ST Aerospace before being transferred to Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
in 2004. Short SC.7 Skyvan
Short SC.7 Skyvan
-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Jackson, A.J. British Civil Aircraft since 1919 . London: Putnam, 1974. ISBN 0-370-10014-X.-External links:****...
— 6× Skyvan 3Ms delivered in 1973 and retired in 1993. BAC Jet Provost
BAC Jet Provost
The BAC Jet Provost was a British jet-powered trainer aircraft used by the Royal Air Force from 1955 to 1993. The Jet Provost was also successfully exported, serving in many air forces worldwide....
— 5× T.52s (ex-South Yemen Air Force airframe) operated from the 1975 until 1980. BAC Strikemaster — total 25 received (16× Mk.84s delivered in 1969 from UK plus 4× Mk.81s from South Yemen in 1975 and another 5× Mk.82s from Oman in 1977), all were retired in 1984 with one airframe preserved at the RSAF Museum while the remaining 13 airworthy airframes were sold to a Warbird broker. Cessna 172
Cessna 172
The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing fixed-wing aircraft. First flown in 1955 and still in production, more Cessna 172s have been built than any other aircraft.-Design and development:...
— 8× F172Ks delivered in 1969, retired in 1972. Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star — 20× T-33As (ex-French Air Force
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...
airframes), operated from 1980 until retired in 1985. SIAI-Marchetti SF.260 — 14× SF.260Ms delivered in 1971 plus 12× SF.260Ws delivered in 1979 and 1981. All remaining 19 airworthy airframes retired in 2002 and transferred to the Indonesian Air Force
Indonesian Air Force
The Indonesian Air Force is the air force branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces.The Indonesian Air Force has 34,930 personnel equipped with 110 combat aircraft including Su-27 and Su-30.-Before Indonesian independence :...
. SIAI-Marchetti S.211
Aermacchi S-211
The Aermacchi S-211 is a turbofan-powered military trainer aircraft designed and originally marketed by SIAI Marchetti as the S.211. Some 60 aircraft have been sold to air forces around the world. Aermacchi bought the production rights in 1997...
— Since 1984, 32× S.211s were acquired for RSAF's Basic Jet Training (BJT) program (this figure includes 24 airframes which were assembled locally by Singapore Aircraft Industries
ST Aerospace
Singapore Technologies Aerospace is a subsidiary of ST Engineering based in Singapore, with international offices and facilities located in key aviation hubs in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and the US...
plus two former Haitian aircraft acquired as attrition replacements in 1994). Phased out from June 2008, of the remaining 25 airworthy S.211s, 21 were sold off to International Air Parts (IAP) Group Australia Pty Ltd in 2009 while 4 were shipped back to Singapore, being preserved as museum exhibits.
Rotary-wing aircraft
Aérospatiale Alouette III
The Aérospatiale Alouette III is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by Sud Aviation. It was manufactured by Aérospatiale of France, and under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in India as Hal Chetak and Industria Aeronautică Română in Romania.The Alouette III is the...
— 8× SA316Bs delivered in 1969, retired and transferred to Royal Malaysian Air Force in 1978. Eurocopter AS350 Ecureuil — 7× AS350Bs for basic helicopter training, all delivered between 1981/82 and retired in 1992. Eurocopter AS550 Fennec
Eurocopter Fennec
|-See also:-References:* Jackson, Paul. Jane's All The World's Aircraft 2003–2004. Coulsdon, UK:Jane's Information Group, 2003. ISBN 0-7106-2537-5.-External links:* * *...
— 6× AS550A2 + 14× AS550C2, all delivered in 1991 and was retired in December 2006. Subsequently, the six AS550A2 were sold off to Chadian Air Force in 2010. Bell UH-1B — 20× UH-1Bs (refurbished ex-US Army airframes not including 10 spares) for advance helicopter training, operated from 1980 until 1988. Bell UH-1H — total 25 acquired, all are now retired except for 7 airframes which were refurbished and modernized before resale to the Philippine Air Force
Philippine Air Force
The Philippine Air Force is the air force of the Republic of the Philippines, and one of the three main services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas....
in a 2003 deal. Bell UH-1N Twin Huey — 3× UH-1Ns (military version of the Bell 212 Twin Huey) delivered in 1977, all retired in 1985 and sold to Sri Lanka Air Force.
Air-defence
Bristol Bloodhound Mk.II SAM — ex-RAF stock (total 84 missiles), all retired in 1994.RSAF Black Knights
First formed in 1973 at Tengah Air Base, the Black Knights is RSAF's official aerobatic team and has been performing on an ad-hoc basis since its inception with volunteer pilots drawn from various front line squadrons within the RSAF.RSAF Museum
The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum, which was first located at Changi Air Base before it was relocated to a purpose-built building currently situated along Airport Road adjacent to Paya Lebar Air Base. The museum is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities.In popular culture
Fictional Television programs- Airforce (空军), 10 April 1988: This Chinese language drama series was filmed and produced by Singapore Broadcasting CorporationSingapore Broadcasting CorporationSingapore Broadcasting Corporation was a partially privatised mass market media conglomeration, which dominated the entire television and most of the radio broadcasting industry in Singapore during its existence...
(now defunct, a forerunner of MediaCorp TV, Singapore).
See also
- List of Republic of Singapore Air Force squadrons
- MAAF (Singapore Wing)MAAF (Singapore Wing)The Singapore Wing, Malayan Auxiliary Air Force was active from its formation in 1950 until its disbandment in 1960.-Squadron:The Singapore Squadron was formed in 1950 to train volunteers to fly to RAF wings standard. There were two other squadrons, one at Kuala Lumpur and the other at Penang....
- Singapore Armed Forces ranksSingapore Armed Forces ranksThe Singapore Armed Forces has two rank structures.One rank structure is similar to that of other military in other country. One major difference is that the SAF uses a unified rank structure, with identical rank names and insignia throughout the Army, Navy, and Air Force. For example, traditional...
External links
- 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 Oct 2006.
- Ranks and Paramilitary Ranks of Singapore, accessed 23 Oct 2006.
- United States Department of StateUnited States Department of StateThe United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...
, Background notes on Singapore, accessed 23 Oct 2006.