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SINGAPORE'S AIR FORCE: SMALL BUT POWERFUL

If you consider that Singapore only gained independence in 1965, the city-state has gone far. This also applies for its air force, which, according to its Supreme Commander Raymund Ng, focuses on "quality, professionalism and technology". Training of the soldiers is given the utmost importance in transforming the RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force) into forces of the highest international standard.

This is not all that simple, because Singapore, which is densely populated, measures only 40 x 25 kilometres and has hardly any exercise space. Training the flight crew therefore takes place in other friendly countries. Even selection tests are carried out in Tamworth, South East Australia, where the two dozen SF.260M/W-propeller trainers are stationed.

Prospective pilots change from Tamworth to the 130th squadron in Pearce, which is at the west coast of the fifth continent. Good weather conditions allow speedy training on the jet-powered S.211. About 50 crew and their family live there permanently.

Advanced training of the fighter crews takes place in Europe. Since June 1998, 18 Skyhawks have been stationed in Cazaux, France (cp FUG REVUE 4/2000). The co-operation contract allows Singapore to take part in exercises of the Armeé de l'Air, like the traditional Odax Air Defence Manoeuvre this spring.

Helicopter crews also receive their advanced training abroad. The 126th squadron is stationed in Oakey (Queensland) at the Australian Aviation Centre with a dozen Super Pumas. Conversion onto the new CH-47 Chinooks takes place at the US Army National Guard in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Luke Air Force Base and Cannon AFB, where F-16 Fighting Falcon are flown as part of the so-called "Peace-Carvin" Program, are further training sites in the USA. Currently there is also McDonnell AFB as base for training on the new KC-135 Stratotankers.

As well as relocating flight operations long-term, the Singapore Air Force has secured good exercise possibilities for its operational crews. For example: Six times per year the A-4, C-130, Super Puma or the UH-1H can relocate to Pekan Baru, Indonesia. There is a well-extended training area for air combat manoeuvres. Air-ground missions can also be flown. Singapore fighters are regular guests in Malaysia (Kuatan or Butterworth), as well as Australia (Darwin and Amberley) and Thailand (Korat). At times helicopters relocate to Brunei, Thailand, Australia or even to Bangladesh.

The chance of these close contacts with numerous forces do not only give Singapore interesting insights into different operational philosophies, but also strengthen regional stability. Air Force boss Ng comments, "It is our strategy to strengthen peace and safety through deterrent and diplomacy".

As far as the equipment is concerned, Singapore focuses mainly on one country: The Air Force has bought most of its important weapons systems in the USA. The spearhead is currently the Fighting Falcons. The first eight F-16A/B Block 15 were ordered in 1985 and arrived in Singapore in 1989 after pilot training. A further order for eight F-16C and ten F-16D followed in 1994. These aircraft correspond with the Block-52-Standard and are for example fitted with LANTIRN containers for ground attacks. They are allegedly also fitted with Python 4 air-air-missiles by Rafael. A third batch of twelve F-16C/D (better equipped Block 52) were ordered in 1997. Handing over started in November 1999.

As well as the F-16, Singapore's Air Force also has a big fleet of F-5 Tiger II. Their introduction started in 1979, although over the years some second hand aircraft have also been added. In the meantime eight of the F-5E have been altered into RF-5E Tigereye-photographic reconnaissance aircraft and the rest has been thoroughly modernised. The F-5S are now equipped with a Grifo radar. They also have a 1553B-databus as well as a cockpit with displays, a new head-up-display and helmet sight. Elbit of Israel was responsible for system integration, although the lion share of the work was carried out in the country by Singapore Technologies Aerospace.

The A-4s were upgraded even before the F-5. They were fitted with the F404 engine by General Electric, which is also used in the F-18 and give 30 per cent more thrust. Equipment and weapons have also been improved.

The philosophy to use state of the art technology is also apparent in the latest acquisition, four KC-135 Stratotankers. Before they were handed over, the aircraft, which were taken on from the USAF, were fitted with new avionics. At the moment the KC-135s are for training purposes in the USA. The RSAF owns five Hercules tankers as well. The C-130 also serves as transport aircraft, while at the beginning of the 90s five Maritime Enforcer Mk.II by Fokker were bought for maritime surveillance.

As far as helicopters are concerned business was good for Eurocopter. Singapore's Air Force has many Super Pumas and AS 550 Fennecs. Since last June there have also been the first three CH-47D Chinooks, which were transferred from the USA.

From 2002 AH-64D Apache attack helicopters will give the RSAF entirely new abilities. Eight of these have been ordered for the time being. They cost $620m inclusive of weapons, spares, training and logistics. This does, however, exclude the Longbow radar.

The next step is the selection of a new fighter, which might possibly replace the Skyhawks within a few years. Dassault with the Rafale, Eurofighter and Lockheed with the F-16 Block 60 are hopeful. In the long-term Singapore is obviously also interested in JSF.

From page 60 of FLUG REVUE 5/2000