Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II and Republic of Singapore Air Force, F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-15SG Strike Eagle aircraft fly in formation over Singapore (photos : Aus DoD)
First trip to Singapore for fighter jets
Personnel from 75 Squadron trained alongside their Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) counterparts in the air and on the ground, further enhancing the bilateral relationship while integrating 4th- and 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
The Royal Australian Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II made its debut in Singapore, visiting Paya Lebar Air Base late last month.
Commanding Officer of 75 Squadron Wing Commander Martin Parker said continuing to integrate the F-35A with regional partners was an important part of Air Force’s preparedness.
“Air Force’s relationship with the RSAF is strong and underpinned by regular exercise engagements and close professional relationships at all levels,” Wing Commander Parker said.
“The F-35A’s debut visit to Singapore enables our aviators to continue to develop these close relationships and our air force’s interoperability.
“We had the opportunity to fly the F-35A alongside the RSAF’s F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons during the dissimilar air combat training, building mutual understanding and teaching us how to better operate together in the region.
“It’s been our absolute pleasure to bring the F-35A to Singapore and we look forward to increasing the frequency of these invaluable interactions.”
The bilateral engagements also involved aviator-to-aviator discussions during a fighter symposium hosted by RSAF’s 142 Squadron. The talks aimed to give RSAF a more in-depth understanding of the logistical and maintenance requirements of operating the F-35 platform.
Commanding Officer 142 Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Max Ng said the fighter symposium and professional interactions gave the air forces the chance to share unique operational experiences and identify more areas for combined training.
“We gained valuable insights into the F-35 operations, how it could enhance our operational capabilities and be integrated into the RSAF’s warfighting systems,” Lieutenant Colonel Ng said.
“The air combat training was valuable for everyone to push our skills, our aircraft and ourselves to the limit.”
(Aus DoD)