The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) marks three decades of successful flight training at its Pearce detachment, reaffirming strong bilateral ties with Australia.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated a significant milestone today, commemorating 30 years of flight training at its detachment in Pearce, Australia. The commemorative event took place at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Pearce and saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Australian Chief of Air Force Air Marshall Robert Chipman, key members of the local community, and personnel from both RSAF and RAAF.
Mr Zaqy Mohamad’s visit to RSAF’s Pearce Detachment was graciously hosted by Chief of Air Force, Major-General Kelvin Khong, and Commander of the RSAF’s Air Force Training Command, Colonel Liew Boon Ping. During the visit, Mr Zaqy had the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art training facilities situated at RAAF Base Pearce. He also witnessed the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the 30th anniversary, a momentous occasion led by both Chief of Air Forces. Additionally, Mr Zaqy had the privilege of unveiling the anniversary tail flash, and witnessed a spectacular combined flypast featuring RSAF’s and RAAF’s PC-21 trainer aircraft alongside RAAF’s Hawk 127 lead-in fighter aircraft. His visit also included engaging with RSAF personnel stationed in Pearce, where he expressed heartfelt gratitude for their dedicated service.
In his address at the ceremony, Mr Zaqy Mohamad extended his sincere appreciation to the Australian Government and the RAAF for their steadfast support towards RSAF’s training in Pearce. He emphasized, “The 30th anniversary milestone is a strong symbol of the deep and long-standing friendship between Australia and Singapore, and our armed forces. The flying training we conduct in Australia is very important to the RSAF, because Singapore is a small country with limited airspace… Please allow me to express Singapore’s appreciation for the strong support that the RSAF has received from our local communities here, and of course, for welcoming us into your midst and for the warm hospitality that you have extended to our personnel – not just for now, but for the last 30 years.”
The 130 Squadron stationed at Pearce Detachment plays a pivotal role in conducting the nine-month Basic Wings Course for RSAF’s Pilot and Weapon Systems Officer (Fighter) trainees. These trainees gain valuable experience operating the PC-21 aircraft, an advanced tandem-seat turboprop aircraft trainer designed to establish a robust foundation in flying fundamentals. Additionally, the detachment’s Standards Squadron administers courses for RSAF’s flying instructors.
Furthermore, RSAF conducts flying training at the Air Grading Centre in Jandakot, Western Australia, and maintains a CH-47 helicopter detachment at the Australian Army Aviation Centre in Oakey, Queensland. These overseas training opportunities enable RSAF to overcome the land and airspace limitations faced in Singapore. Regular interactions between RSAF and RAAF, including mutually beneficial engagements, bilateral and multilateral exercises like Exercise Churinga and Exercise Pitch Black, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of courses, continue to foster interoperability and strengthen camaraderie among personnel from both air forces.
