Lockheed Martin F-35As of the US Air Force have arrived in Singapore for dissimilar air combat training exercises with Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Boeing F-15SGs and F-16s. The eight F-35As from the USAF’s 356th Fighter Squadron will be practicing basic fighter manoeuvres against the Singaporean assets between 1-7 March, taking place over international airspace in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.
The exercises aim to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces. USAF Lt Col Erik Gonsalves praised the RSAF’s pilots and the manoeuvrability of their F-16s. While the F-35 is primarily known for its stealth capabilities at a distance, Gonsalves acknowledges that the F-16 is a formidable platform for visual-range dogfighting.
During the training, the F-35As will also receive fuel from the RSAF’s Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports. Gonsalves highlighted the MRTT’s forgiving boom envelope and state-of-the-art lighting, making the refuelling process more efficient.
Contrary to expectations, the Singapore deployment of the F-35A squadron is relatively compact, consisting of only 12 pilots and 40 other personnel. Supported by a pair of C-130J tactical transports, the deployment reflects the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment doctrine, emphasizing operational versatility from multiple locations rather than large, fixed bases.
This visit to Singapore by the F-35A follows Singapore’s recent announcement of plans to acquire an additional eight F-35As, adding to their existing order of 12 F-35Bs. Singapore’s Ministry of Defence views these bilateral training exercises as an invaluable opportunity for RSAF personnel to train alongside experienced F-35 operators, further supporting their own F-35 acquisition and operationalisation journey.
The successful collaboration between the RSAF and the USAF reinforces the longstanding defence relations and cooperation between Singapore and the United States. Following the training in Singapore, the F-35As and RSAF assets will proceed to Thailand for the Cope Tiger 2024 exercise, further showcasing their collective strengths and capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the purpose of the F-35A aircraft deployment to Singapore?
The purpose of the F-35A aircraft deployment to Singapore is to participate in dissimilar air combat training exercises with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Boeing F-15SGs and F-16s. The exercises aim to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces.
2. How many F-35As from the USAF’s 356th Fighter Squadron are participating in the training?
Eight F-35As from the USAF’s 356th Fighter Squadron are participating in the dissimilar air combat training exercises in Singapore.
3. Where will the training take place?
The training will take place over international airspace in the southern reaches of the South China Sea.
4. What is the role of the RSAF’s Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports?
During the training, the F-35As will receive fuel from the RSAF’s Airbus Defence & Space A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transports. These tanker transports provide fuel to the aircraft mid-flight, extending their operational range.
5. How many pilots and personnel are part of the F-35A squadron’s deployment to Singapore?
The F-35A squadron’s deployment to Singapore consists of 12 pilots and 40 other personnel.
6. Why is the deployment considered relatively compact?
The deployment is considered relatively compact as it follows the USAF’s Agile Combat Employment doctrine, which emphasizes operational versatility from multiple locations rather than relying on large, fixed bases.
7. What are Singapore’s plans regarding the acquisition of F-35As?
Singapore recently announced plans to acquire an additional eight F-35As, adding to their existing order of 12 F-35Bs.
8. How does the Singapore deployment support Singapore’s F-35 acquisition and operationalization journey?
The bilateral training exercises between the RSAF and the USAF provide an invaluable opportunity for RSAF personnel to train alongside experienced F-35 operators, further supporting their own F-35 acquisition and operationalization journey.
9. What does the successful collaboration between the RSAF and the USAF reinforce?
The successful collaboration between the RSAF and the USAF reinforces the longstanding defense relations and cooperation between Singapore and the United States.
10. Where will the F-35As and RSAF assets proceed after the training in Singapore?
After the training in Singapore, the F-35As and RSAF assets will proceed to Thailand for the Cope Tiger 2024 exercise, where they will further showcase their collective strengths and capabilities.
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Definitions:
– Dissimilar air combat training: Training exercises where aircraft of different types and capabilities simulate combat scenarios and practice air combat maneuvers against each other.
– Interoperability: The ability of different military forces or equipment to work together and exchange information effectively.
– Visual-range dogfighting: Air combat engagement that takes place within visual range, where pilots rely on visual cues to engage and track enemy aircraft.
– Tanker transports: Aircraft designed to refuel other military aircraft mid-flight, extending their operational range.
– Operational versatility: The ability to adapt and operate effectively from multiple locations, rather than relying on large, fixed bases.
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Suggested Related Links:
– Lockheed Martin Official Website
– Singapore Ministry of Defence Official Website
– U.S. Air Force Official Website
– Airbus Official Website
– Republic of Singapore Air Force Official Website