9 July 2024
The Royal Australian Air Force is hosting an extended fighter aircraft detachment from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) from June 24 to October 18.
The first detachment was welcomed to RAAF Base Pearce by Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Greg Porche, who said hosting the RSAF promoted already strong aviation cooperation.
“We welcome a new element of the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce, who have established an aviation training presence here over the past 30 years,” Wing Commander Porche said.
As part of community engagement activities for the detachment, a Community Stakeholder Day occurred on June 28, to provide key members of the local community an experience to view the visiting RSAF aircraft first-hand and engage with their personnel.
“The support of local communities during this training detachment is greatly appreciated by the Royal Australian Air Force and the Republic of Singapore Air Force,” Wing Commander Porche said.
“Hosting key members of the local community to view Royal Australian Air Force and Republic of Singapore Air Force aircraft and meet our personnel provides an important link between the base and local residents.”
Commander Fighter Group of the RSAF Colonel Jonavan Ang said that the RSAF was grateful for Australia’s strong support and friendship, which made the fighter detachment possible.
“This detachment highlights the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Australia,” Colonel Ang said.
“We are also very appreciative of the strong community support given to the Republic of Singapore Air Force over the years.”
Director General Preparedness - Air Force, Air Commodore Nick Osborne, said the training detachment contributed to a close and enduring defence partnership.
“Singapore has conducted military training in Australia for more than three decades,” Air Commodore Osborne said.
“Our two nations have a strong history of support for each other’s training, and access to each other’s training areas enhances our shared ability to strengthen regional security.
“The success of this training detachment will contribute to Singapore’s aviation capability in support of their vital force generation activities, our regional security and our two nation’s ability to work together in the future.”
