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Showing posts with label ASEAN AIR FORCE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ASEAN AIR FORCE. Show all posts

Sunday, December 11, 2011

SAF Showcases Integrated Strike Capabilities at Exercise Forging Sabre 2011


10 Desember 2011
A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15SG fighter aircraft deploying a Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) during Exercise Forging Sabre 2011. (all photos : Mindef)
The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) successfully conducted an integrated live-firing during Exercise Forging Sabre 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA earlier today (Singapore time). Held from 28 Nov to 11 Dec 2011, the exercise involves more than 450 personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Army as well as assets such as F-15SG and F-16C/D fighters, and Apache AH-64D and Chinook CH-47 helicopters from the RSAF. Exercise Forging Sabre 2011 is the third instalment in the series which began in 2005.
The integrated live-firing, orchestrated by the exercise command post staffed by officers from the air force and army, involved multiple sensor and shooter platforms and was witnessed by Chief of Air Force, Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng and other senior SAF officers. Besides the deployment of advanced strike munitions, including Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and Hellfire missiles, the exercise also saw the RSAF's F-15SG aircraft dropping Laser JDAMs for the first time against mobile targets in day and night mission scenarios.


Speaking after viewing the integrated live-firing, MG Ng noted that Exercise Forging Sabre 2011 provided an excellent opportunity for the SAF to validate its integrated strike capabilities in a realistic and challenging environment. He said: "I am very impressed by our people's combat proficiency, professionalism and dedication. I saw for myself today how our airmen and soldiers worked to bring together a sophisticated suite of both sensors and shooters, like our F-15SGs, F-16C/Ds and Apaches, to effect an integrated strike against a variety of targets, including mobile targets. This in itself is a very complex operation and I think they have done very well." MG Ng also noted that the US' support of the Forging Sabre series of exercises was a testament to the long-standing and excellent defence ties between Singapore and the US. Besides interacting with SAF personnel participating in the exercise, MG Ng also took the opportunity to meet family members of SAF servicemen in the RSAF's F-16C/D training detachment at Luke Air Force Base.
Training in the US enables the SAF to build up its operational capabilities and readiness. Apart from supporting the conduct of training exercises such as Forging Sabre, the US also supports the RSAF's F-15SG, F-16C/D, Apache AH-64D and Chinook CH-47 aircraft training detachments in the US.
See Also :
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Laser JDAM
Inert Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions loaded onto a Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG aircraft during an arming demonstration.
The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit developed by Boeing which converts an unguided bomb into an accurately-guided and all-weather "smart" munition that can be launched 15 nautical miles from its target. The kit consists of a Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System fitted at the tail end of a bomb body, as well as aerodynamic body strakes to provide additional stability and lift. The Laser JDAM (LJDAM) is a JDAM guidance kit enhanced with a laser seeker that provides terminal guidance and improves precision accuracy.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force's ability to deliver JDAMs and LJDAMs against a variety of targets, including mobile targets, in day and night mission scenarios contributes significantly to the Singapore Armed Forces' integrated strike capabilities.

Air Force Defends B10bn Budget Call


10 Desember 2011
RTAF JAS-39C Gripen (photo : Scramble)
The air force is defending its request to the government for 10 billion baht for post-flood rehabilitation work.
Air force chief Itthaporn Subhawong said the flood caused vast damage to expensive facilities and high-technology communication systems and armaments.
Cutting the budget would compromise the air force's ability to do its job.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has questioned why the air force needs so much and asked for more detail, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said.
The prime minister, who visited the Defence Ministry yesterday, said the air force should prioritise spending and break it down into more detailed figures.
ACM Itthaporn said the air force asked for 10,563 million baht. He said the damage was assessed by a government-appointed committee.
"The budget we proposed truly reflects the amount of damage the air force incurred," he said.
Some equipment that was not totally ruined would be fixed, not replaced.
"We understand flood recovery in the country will be expensive. But the air force is one of the country's main defence systems.
"If rehabilitation is insufficient, we won't be able to function with the same level of capability as before," he said. The faster the money is disbursed, the sooner the force will get back on its feet.
The source said the air force may still consider trimming the funding request by up to 1.3 billion baht. It would carry out as much repair work as possible rather than acquiring new equipment.
Ms Yingluck plans to visit the air force again on Wednesday, when she will also visit the army. She will drop in on the navy the next day. "We must work together and treat each other with honour," she said. Gen Yutthasak said Ms Yingluck plans to visit the Defence Ministry regularly and have lunch with the armed forces leaders every two months as part of a policy of forging closer ties with the military.

After Warships, Aquino Now Wants to Acquire US Warplanes


10 Desember 2011

F/A18 Hornet at the AMARC in Tucson Arizona (photo : Aerommore)
MANILA, Philippines—President Benigno Aquino will ask US President Barrack Obama for fighter jets when they meet, probably sometime next April.
Aquino, a member of the Philippine Air Force reserve, made this disclosure in a speech to PAF personnel at the opening ceremonies of the PAF Invitational Shootfest and firing range blessing at the Villamor Airbase on Saturday.
“We went to Bali, Indonesia, recently and when we’re leaving for the Philippines, we saw on their airport three F-16s parked and they would be given two squadrons more by our American friends,” Aquino said in an impromptu speech.
“I said, this looks rather equitable. Two squadrons for them, one ship for us,” he added in jest.
Aquino said he would remind Obama of the strategic partnership between the Philippines and the US.
Obama has invited Aquino for a state visit to the US next year.
“I think that when I and President Obama meet next year, perhaps around April, I will remind him of our strategic partnership. They might remember that we don’t have a fighter jet here,” the President said.
The Philippines has already acquired from the US a Hamilton-class cutter and has named the erstwhile US Coast Guard vessel as the Navy’s BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.
“The Navy will be getting—I am told, I have been assured—our second Hamilton-class cutter sometime next year,” Mr. Aquino said. “And we did request that when it is given to us, they would no longer remove the equipment installed for us to put back in place… and it appears that our request would be granted…. Perhaps not the entire system, but a lot of it.”
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during talks in Manila in November that Washington would give the Philippines a second cutter virtually for free in 2012.
The Philippines and the US signed a Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951.
The US recently indicated its preparedness to assist its allies in East Asia and Southeast Asia to ensure the free flow of economic activity and the implementation of maritime rules in the region.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Malaysia to Explore Opportunities for Defense Industry Cooperation with Russia



17 November 2011

TSAMTO assesses the needs of Malaysian Air Force in modern jet trainer (to replace Hawk) in the amount of 18-24 units. At the same time, according to TSAMTO, purchasing of new jet trainer is unlikely to be realized in the framework of the 10th Malaysia Plan Defense (period 2011-2015), because all procurement programs and their funding for this period has already laid out. Most likely, the purchase can be implemented within the framework of the 11th Malaysia Plan of Defense in the period 2016-2020 (photo : Airliners)
Defense Minister of Malaysia visited Irkutsk Aviation Plant

TSAMTO, As reported earlier, Defense Minister of Malaysia Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visited the Irkutsk Aviation plant - branch of JSC "Corporation" Irkut ".
As the "AviaPort.Ru", quoting a press release "NPK" Irkut ", during the visit of President of" Corporation "Irkut" Alexei Fyodorov presented his guest IAZ main divisions, which produces the Su-30MK and Yak-130 components for concern "Airbus" in the program of international industrial cooperation.

"The purpose of my visit to Irkutsk - personally seen, where a multi-purpose combat aircraft, which is used in Malaysian Air Force. What I have seen here is impressive and amazing. I am absolutely convinced that the future of the aircraft is very bright. We also discuss the possibility of future programs, and Malaysian companies are ready to cooperate in the field of "Irkut" - said Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

In collaboration with the Royal Air Force Malaysia Corporation "Irkut" from 2007 to 2009 posed to this country 18 Su-30MK fighters, known as the Su-30MKM (multi-purpose, commercial, Malaysian). Now discuss the details of yet another contract for the manufacture of multifunctional aircraft.

Irkut's MS-21, baseline model with up to 162 passengers, similar to theAirbus A319, and the Boeing 737-700 (photo : Irkut)

According to Fedorov, "Malaysia for us - not just a customer, for us it is a key partner. We would like to secure a good partnership with the Malaysian aerospace industry."

In addition to the Su-30MKM, the parties discussed cooperation on the project MS-21. It is planned that the first deliveries of these aircraft will begin in Malaysia in 2017.

In addition, the defense minister of Malaysia expressed interest in the project Yak-130 and did not rule out the possibility of cooperation in this area.

Background

Su-30MKM (photo : Airliners)

The contract to supply 18 Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM worth about 910 million dollars was signed in 2003. Deliveries of fighters under the contract have been completed in the summer of 2009.

Su-30MKM (multi-purpose, commercial, Malaysian) is based on the Su-30MKI developed for the Indian Air Force. At the same time, this machine has a number of differences, as adapted to the requirements of the Malaysian Air Force. In the final part of the tender of the Su-30MKM competed with the U.S. F/A-18E/F.

As part of the Malaysian contract was carried out a large number of technical discussions with suppliers of foreign equipment on the Su-30MKM, in his pairing on the basis of the experience already gained by the Su-30MKI. Much has been done on the organization of international cooperation.

The contract for the supply of 18 Su-30MKM is unique in complexity and has no analogues in Russian practice. Malaysian party chooses suppliers of imported complete set for the Su-30MKM. Moreover, the contract was structured so that Malaysia provided a supply of these products in finished form on the contract. If other similar contracts usually stipulate a list of equipment and the function ends with the buyer, the buyer is assumed greater authority. This selection, coordination and delivery of spare parts as a pilot and production machines.

The company "Thales" as a subcontractor in December 2003 won a contract worth 120 million euros (147 million dollars) to supply avionics for the Su-30MKM.

The second major subcontractor became a South African company "Avitroniks" which has received an order to produce Malaysian Air Force 18 system warning about the threat to the Su-30MKM. The contract is estimated at 20 million dollars.
The third major subcontractor was Indian corporation HAL, which has put completing a $ 30 million dollars for the Su-30MKM.

In 2011, the Malaysian Air Force flight crews began training on a simulator of the Su-30MKM. The simulator was designed by Malaysian firm HeiTech Padu Bhd in conjunction with the "Sukhoi" and includes two jobs for pilots and their computer system training. The Malaysian government has entered into an agreement with HeiTech to develop and produce a simulator for training pilots of the Su-30MKM in December 2006.

At the opening ceremony of the training center for pilots of Su-30MKM Malaysian Air Force in April this year, Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that "Malaysia is the leader among Southeast Asian countries in terms of training pilots for aircraft such as the Su-30."

Zahid Not in Russia to Sign Arms Deal



18 November 2011

RMAF's Su-30MKM (photo : kwek)
PETALING JAYA : An aide to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has denied claims that he was in Russia to sign a deal to purchase fighter jets.

His media director Kol Fadzlette Othman Merican told the Sun in a text message yesterday that Zahid was invited to visit Russia by its government.

"It's a long overdue visit. He was not there to sign any deal," she said.

Fadzlette declined to state if any negotiations took place during the visit. It is believed that this was Zahid's first visit to Russia since being defence minister.

The Russian state news agency Ria Novosti had created a stir when it reported that Zahid might sign a contract to buy 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters during the visit.

Zahid had recently been reported as saying that plans to purchase 18 new multi-role combat aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force had been postponed due to the lack of funds.

The Russian news agency cited a report in the Izvestia daily which said that Malaysian had plans to buy 18 fighters fit to carry the Russian-Indian Brahmos supersonic cruise missiles.

The paper, citing miitary sources, reported that Zahid would visit the Irkut aviation plant, producing Su-30MKI fighters.

Izvestia reported one such aircraft would cost Malaysia about US$50 million (RM150 million).
The minister "may sign a contract to buy 18 Su-30MKM multirole fighters," the paper said.

The paper had said that Zahid also plans to discuss installing new missiles, including the BrahMos, on the 18 MKM fighters that Malaysia received under the US$900 million (RM270 million) contract signed in 2003.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Republic of Singapore Air Force


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Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force Service Flag.svg
RSAF Service Flag
Founded 1 April 1973
Country Singapore
Branch Air force
Role Air supremacy / defence
Size 13,500 personnel
422 aircraft
Part of Singapore Armed Forces
Engagements Operation Iraqi Freedom,
Operation Enduring Freedom (as part of NATO-led ISAF)
Commanders
Chief of Air Force Major General Ng Chee Meng
Insignia
RSAF crest RSAF Logo.jpg
RSAF roundel - 3rd Generation (1990–present) RSAF Roundel (1990–present).svg
RSAF low visibility roundel RSAF Roundel (1990–present, low visibility).svg
Aircraft flown
Attack F-15SG, AH-64D
Fighter F-16C/D
Interceptor F-5S/T
Patrol E-2C, G550 AEW&C, Fokker 50 ME2
Reconnaissance RF-5S
Trainer S211, PC-21, TA-4SU, EC120
Transport KC-130B & C-130H, Fokker 50 UTL, KC-135R, CH-47SD, Super Puma
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF, Chinese: 新加坡空军部队; Malay: Angkatan Udara Republik Singapura; Tamil: சிங்கப்பூர் ஆகாயப்படை) 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.[1]

Contents

[hide]

Mission statement

The following excerpts was taken from the official website of the Republic of Singapore Air Force[2]: -
The RSAF is a First Class Air Force, always ready to deter aggression and defend Singapore and its interests. We will respond decisively to the full spectrum of missions from peace to war as part of an integrated SAF. We will be superior in the air and decisively influence the ground and maritime battles. The RSAF is founded on the core values of competencies of its World Class People. We Are committed to the nation, the SAF, the RSAF and to one another. Together, we will overcome adversity with courage and fortitude. Above all, our people are the heart of our organisation.

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 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;[3] as well as rotary-wing RAF aircraft such as the Bristol Belvedere, Westland Wessex and Westland Whirlwind.[3] It was also noted that the Israeli Defence Force Team assisted with the creation of the SADC.[citation needed]
1968-1973: 1st generation RAF styled roundel (similar to Peruvian and Turkish Air Force roundels)
1973-1990: 2nd generation ying-yang styled roundel

Comparison of older RSAF roundels
Eight Cessna 172-K aircraft – the SADC’s first – arrived in May 1969 to be used for basic pilot training.[4] By December, the first batch of students completed the course. Of these, six were sent to the UK to receive further training. On their return to Singapore in 1970, they were ready to operate the then newly-acquired Hawker Hunter fighter aircraft.
The pace of training pilots and ground crew picked up gradually. On 1 August 1969, Minister for the Interior and Defence, Lim Kim San, inaugurated the Flying Training School (FTS) at Tengah Air Base (then known as RAF Tengah). The inauguration of FTS brought SADC closer to its goal of fulfilling the heavy responsibility of defending Singapore's airspace.
The subsequent arrival of the BAC Strikemasters in 1969, used for advanced phase flying training, meant that pilot trainees were now able to earn their initial wings locally rather than overseas. The first batch of locally trained fighter pilots were trained at the FTS and graduated in November 1970. Amongst this batch was 2LT Goh Yong Siang, who later rose to the appointment of Chief of Air Force on 1 July 1995. Gradually, the SADC had its own pilots, flying instructors, air traffic controllers, and ground crew.
When Britain brought forward its plan to withdraw its forces by September 1971, the SADC was suddenly entrusted with a huge responsibility and resources. Britain’s former air bases – Tengah, Seletar, Sembawang and Changi – were handed over to the SADC, as well as its air defence radar station and Bloodhound II surface-to-air missiles.
In 1973, the SADC procured Shorts Skyvan search-and-locate aircraft and Douglas A-4 Skyhawk fighter-bombers. With a reliable mix of fighters, fighter-bombers, helicopters and transport aircraft, the SADC was ready to assume the functions of a full-fledged air force. On 1 April 1975, the SADC was renamed the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).[1]
One of its first commanders was LTC Ee Tean Chye.[5][6]

[edit] Organisation

The RSAF is led by the Chief of the Air Force (CAF). The current CAF is Major General Ng Chee Meng.[7] The CAF reports directly to the Chief of Defence Force and is assisted by the Chief of Staff (Air Staff), BG Wong Huat Sern.[8] The Chief Warrant Officer of Air Force is ME5 Andrew Koh.[9] 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).[8]
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).[10]
RSAF Org Chart.png
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.

Air Combat Command

Air Defence And Operations Command

Air Power Generation Command

Participation Command

UAV Command

The five major commands of RSAF
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.[11] 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).[12]
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).

[edit] Overview

Republic of Singapore Air Force
Republic of Singapore Air Force Service Flag.svg

Squadrons
List of RSAF Squadrons
Aircraft
List of RSAF aircraft
Bases
Changi Air Base (East, West)
Paya Lebar Air Base
Sembawang Air Base
Tengah Air Base
Personnel

Singapore Armed Forces ranks
The backbone of the RSAF is formed by the Block 52/52+ F-16 Fighting Falcons. These are armed with US-supplied AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles and LANTIRN targeting pods, laser guided munitions and conformal fuel tanks for long-range strike.
While Singapore initially bought as many as 70 F-16 planes, on 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 Stratotankers, AH-64D Apaches and CH-47SD Chinook helicopters based in the USA, the Marchetti S-211s, PC-21s, 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[13][14][15] 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.[16] 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.[17] The second batch of 12 Apaches were ordered in 2001 even before the first delivery took place.[18] 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.[19] The humanitarian effort by Singapore involved more aircraft than any other foreign countries.[20]
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.[21][22]

Air Bases


An operational G550 CAEW of 111 Sqn on display at Singapore Airshow, 2010

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

An F-16C of 140 Sqn scrambling.

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

Exercise Forging Sabre 2009, an RSAF's IAI Searcher II UAV parked inside the hangar of Henry Post Army Airfield, USA.
  • 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 Sqn 15 F-5S (Interceptor), 7 F-5T (Training/Interceptor)
    • 149 Sqn 15 F-5S (Interceptor), 1 F-5T (Training/Interceptor); currently transitioning to the F-15SG (Strike), received 5 F-15SG to date.[23]
  • Tengah Air Base
    • 111 Sqn 4 E-2C Hawkeye (AEW & C); currently transitioning to G550 CAEWs
    • 140 Sqn 7 F-16C (Interceptor), 5 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)
    • 142 Sqn 18 T/A-4SU Super Skyhawks (Fighter-bomber) - disbanded in 2004.
    • 143 Sqn 2 F-16C (Interceptor), 10 F-16D Blk 52 (Strike)
    • RSAF Black Knights - RSAF's aerobatic team.
  • Chong Pang Camp 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 Sqn 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 RSN. They are based on the Army model. The official table of ranks stops at three stars for all three services.[24] 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.

Overseas detachments (Training)

2004, TA-4SU (933) on the flightline of Cazaux Air Base
6 June 2010, a pair of A-4SU Super Skyhawks (serials 938 & 909) on static display during an air show at the Istres Air Base

Super Skyhawks in France

The RSAF Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce.
  • Redmond Taylor AHP - Grand Prairie AASF (Grand Prairie, Texas)
    • 149th AVN, 6 × CH-47SD (Peace Prairie CH-47 Training)[27]
  • Silverbell Army Heliport (USA)
    • E/1-285th AVN, 8 × AH-64D (Peace Vanguard AH-64D Training)[32]

Future plans

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 29,400 lbf (131 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).[33][34] 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.[35]

A Singapore Peace Triton S-70B being guided by a member of the RSN on the flight line of Naval Air Station North Island.
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-70B (derivative of SH-60 Seahawk) naval helicopters will be purchased, complete with anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and sensors.[36] 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 frigates, 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.[37][38] 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.[39]

Test flight of an RSAF Pilatus PC-21 in 2008, © MINDEF
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.[40][41] 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.[42][43][44]
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.[45][46]
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.[47]

[edit] Weaponry


A fully bombed-up F-16D+ of 145 Sqn on static display during RSAF Open House 2008.

Rear view of the same aircraft.

1988, a GIRAFFE S 3D radar on display at Paya Lebar Air Base.
Type Country of Origin Role Quantity Program
Air-to-Air Missiles



AIM-9J/P/S Sidewinder  United States SRAAM 200/264/96[48] AIM-9S: Peace Carvin II
AIM-9X Sidewinder  United States SRAAM 200[48] Peace Carvin V
AIM-120C5/C7 AMRAAM  United States BVRAAM 200[48] Peace Carvin V
AIM-7M Sparrow  United States MRAAM 70[48] Peace Carvin II
Python-4  Israel AAM 600[48] ?
Derby[49]  Israel BVRAAM ? ?
Air-to-Surface Missiles/Rockets/Bombs



GBU-10/GBU-12/GBU-16 Paveway II  United States Laser-Guided Bomb 28/56/?[48] Peace Carvin IV
GBU-31(V)1/B JDAM  United States GPS/INS Guided Bomb 100 ?
GBU-38/B JDAM  United States GPS/INS Guided Bomb 50[48] Peace Carvin V
GBU-54/B JDAM  United States GPS/INS/Laser-Guided Bomb 670 ?
AGM-65B/D/G Maverick  United States Air-to-Ground Missile 248[48] ?
BGM-71B TOW  United States Air-to-Ground Missile 200[48] ?
AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire  United States Air-to-Ground Missile 192[48] Peace Vanguard
AGM-154A-1/C JSOW  United States Air-to-Ground Missile 60[48] Peace Carvin V
AGM-84 Harpoon  United States Anti-Ship Missile 44[48] ?
CRV7  Canada 70mm Rocket ? ?
Hydra 70 (APKWS)  United States 70mm Rocket 9,120 Peace Vanguard
SNEB  France 68mm Rocket ? ?
Zuni  United States 127mm Rocket ? ?
Mk 82/Mk83/Mk84  United States (500/1000/2000 pound) General Purpose Bombs ? ?
Surface-to-Air Missiles/Air Defense Artillery/Radar



MIM-23B I-Hawk  United States SAM 12 launchers + 500 missiles[48] ?
Mistral  France SAM - MANPADS 500 missiles[48] ?
Rapier Mk II  United Kingdom SAM 12 launchers + 500 missiles[48] ?
9K38 Igla[50]  Russia SAM - MANPADS 30 launchers + 440 missiles[48] ?
Mechanised Igla[51]  Singapore Mobile SAM (SHORAD) 30 ?
RBS 70  Sweden SAM - MANPADS 25 launchers + 500 missiles[48] ?
Cadillac Gage V-200 RBS 70  Singapore Mobile SAM (SHORAD) 25 ?
Rafael SPYDER[49]  Israel Mobile SAM (SHORAD) ? ?
Oerlikon 35 mm twin cannon  Switzerland AA Gun 34× GDF-001 + 24× GDF-002[48] ?
Lockheed Martin AN/FPS-117[52]  United States Phased array 3-D Air Search Radar 1[48] ?
Lockheed Martin P-STAR[52]  United States Portable Search & Target Acquisition Radar ? ?
Ericsson GIRAFFE-S / GIRAFFE-AMB)[53]  Sweden Mobile Air Defense Radar 4/2[48] ?

[edit] Aircraft

[edit] Current

Type Country of Origin Role Quantity Program
Fixed Wing Combat Aircraft

143
Boeing F-15SG Strike Eagle  United States Air superority/Strike 24 Peace Carvin V
Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52 Fighting Falcon  United States Interceptor 22 Peace Carvin II[54]
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon  United States Strike 20 Peace Carvin[54]
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcon  United States Strike 20 Peace Carvin[54]
Lockheed Martin F-16D Block 52 Fighting Falcon  United States Interceptor/Strike 12 CONUS[54]
Northrop F-5S Tiger II  United States Interceptor 32 ?
Northrop F-5T Tiger II  United States Interceptor/Trainer 9 ?
Northrop RF-5S Tigereye  United States Reconnaissance/Interceptor 8 ?
Helicopters

80
CH-47SD Chinook  United States Heavy Transport 20 Peace Prairie
Eurocopter AS-332M Super Puma  France Medium transport/Search And Rescue 22 ?
Eurocopter AS-532UL Cougar  France Medium Transport 12 ?
Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow  United States Attack 20 Peace Vanguard
Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk  United States ASW/ASuW 6 (o/o) Peace Triton
Transport/Aerial Refuelling Aircraft

18
Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker  United States Aerial Refuelling/Transport 4 Peace Guardian
Lockheed C-130H Hercules  United States Heavy Transport 5 ?
Lockheed KC-130B/H  United States Aerial Refuelling/Transport 5 ?
Fokker 50UTL  Netherlands Medium Transport/VIP 4 ?
Support Aircraft

13
Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye  United States AEW & C 4 ?
Fokker F50ME2  Netherlands Maritime Patrol 5 ?
Gulfstream G550 with the EL/M-2075 Phalcon AESA AEW radar.  United States /  Israel AEW & C 4 (o/o) ?
Trainer Aircraft

54
Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master  Italy Advanced/Lead-in Jet Trainer 12 (o/o) ?
Pilatus PC-21  Switzerland Basic Trainer 19 ?
ST Aerospace A-4SU/TA-4SU Super Skyhawk  Singapore Advanced/Lead-in Jet Trainer[55] 4/7[56] ?
Eurocopter EC120 Colibri  France /  Singapore /  China Trainer 5 total 10 ordered
UAV

45
Elbit Hermes 450 UAV  Israel Reconnaissance 5[48] ?
IAI Heron  Israel Reconnaissance ? ?
IAI Searcher  Israel Reconnaissance 40[48] ?
IAI Scout  Israel Reconnaissance 60[48] in reserves

[edit] Historic

[edit] Fixed-wing aircraft


A retired 140 Sqn Hawker Hunter FGA.74S - serial number 527 (ex-RAF XF458), parked outside the RSAF Museum. Note also the number of hardpoints and the ADEN gun ports which had been faired over to protect this museum piece against the weather.
  • United Kingdom 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.[57][58]
  • United States 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.[48][54]
  • United Kingdom Short SC.7 Skyvan — 6× Skyvan 3Ms delivered in 1973 and retired in 1993.[48]
  • United Kingdom BAC Jet Provost — 5× T.52s (ex-South Yemen Air Force airframe) operated from the 1975 until 1980.[48][59][60]
  • United Kingdom 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.[48][61]
  • United States Cessna 172 — 8× F172Ks delivered in 1969, retired in 1972.[48]
  • United States Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star — 20× T-33As (ex-French Air Force airframes), operated from 1980 until retired in 1985.[48]
  • Italy 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.[48][62]
  • Italy 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.[48][63]

[edit] Rotary-wing aircraft


A retired 120 Sqn Alouette III (SA316B) on static display at the RSAF Museum.

Air-defence

Others

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.[16]


The 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

See also

sumber : WIKIPEDIA

BERITA POLULER