Air Marshal Robert Chipman honored with Singapore’s Meritorious Service Medal (Military) for his contributions to strengthening Australia-Singapore defence ties.

Air Marshal (AM) Robert Chipman, Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and former Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), was awarded Singapore’s prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)] by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The award was presented by Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence on October 9, 2024.

The MSM(M) was conferred on AM Chipman in recognition of his outstanding role in enhancing defence relations between Singapore and Australia. During his tenure as Chief of the RAAF, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated the 30th anniversary of its flight training detachment at RAAF Base Pearce in 2023, a significant milestone for bilateral defence cooperation. AM Chipman’s support of RSAF’s training programs in Australia contributed to the RSAF’s operational readiness and laid the groundwork for future collaboration through the Extended Fighter Detachment at Pearce.

AM Chipman’s leadership also facilitated regular exchanges between the RSAF and RAAF, including high-level visits, professional courses, and joint military exercises like Exercise Churinga and Exercise Pitch Black. These activities have strengthened bilateral ties and deepened cooperation between the two air forces.

In his acceptance speech, AM Chipman expressed his gratitude, saying, “Australia and Singapore share a deep and enduring defence relationship and strategic partnership. Our defence forces have strong ties as demonstrated through deployments, participation in exercises, and exchanges of personnel. I am honoured to receive the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) and look forward to our two countries continuing to work together to strengthen regional security.”

AM Chipman’s visit to Singapore from October 7 to 9 included a Guard of Honour inspection and meetings with Dr. Ng Eng Hen and RSAF Chief Major-General Kelvin Fan. He also co-chaired the 10th ADF-Singapore Armed Forces Annual Staff Talks and spoke at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College as part of the Distinguished Speakers’ Programme.

Source – MINDEF