Introduction to RSAF

In 1968, Singapore had to raise an air force quickly to take over the critical role of air defence for Singapore from the Royal Air Force (RAF) as Britain withdrew their force from the region.

The Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC) was established to spearhead this change. Since then, generations of committed and determined airmen and women worked tirelessly to establish the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) of present.

First Generation RSAF (1968 - 1984): Early Years of the RSAF

During the SADC years, pioneering assets such as the Alouette III helicopter, Oerlikon 35mm anti-aircraft gun, Bloodhound missiles and Hawker Hunter jet aircraft - RSAF's first fighter aircraft - were brought into service.

The RSAF was formally inaugurated on 1 Apr 1975. In the following 10 years, the RSAF embarked on increasingly sophisticated developments and phased in more advanced weapon system such as the F-5 fighter jets in 1979. To hone the proficiency of the RSAF personnel, the RSAF trained overseas with the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the United States Air Force (USAF). The capabilities built-up were also deployed for peacetime missions such as the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR) operation during the 1971 Kuantan flood and the cable car rescue operations in 1983.

The SADC was set up with the formation of the SAF Flying Platoon, whose members included British advisers.

When the Singapore Air Defence Command (SADC) was formed in 1968, it inherited the roundel of Britain's Royal Air Force, which comprised an inner red circle surrounded by an outer ring of blue. However, to reflect that the country's air defence was now in its own hands, the outer ring was changed to a brilliant red: Singapore’s national colour.

The British handed over Tengah Air Base to the SADC in 1971 and, for 50 cents, left behind a 14-man Mark III decompression chamber.

An aerial view of Bukit Gombak Radar Station in the 1960s, which was was handed over to SADC by the RAF and renamed Air Defence Radar Unit. It was one of the most advanced air defence systems in Asia at that time.

Second Generation RSAF(1985 - 2005): Spreading Wings and Forging Ahead

During this period, the RSAF increased participation in overseas exercises such as Exercise PITCH BLACK and Exercise COPE TIGER, to strengthen defence ties and enhance the training with foreign air forces. The RSAF continued to develop her capabilities by enhancing our aircraft fleet and ground-based air defence (GBAD) systems.

The strengthened RSAF's operational capabilities also allowed the RSAF to contribute more significantly towards global causes, thus enhancing our defence relationships with foreign militaries and the United Nations.

The Super Puma helicopters arrived in 1985 at Sembawang Air Base in wooden crates

The Super Pumas were assembled by the technicians at Sembawang Air Base.

The new helicopters were assigned to 125 Squadron, which was inaugurated on 4 October 1985.

The Super Pumas are also operated by 126 Squadron.

Third Generation RSAF (2006 - Present): Full Spectrum, Integrated and Ready

Faced with a widened spectrum of security threats, the RSAF was transformed and restructured to enhance her ability to defend Singapore. The 3rd Generation RSAF was conceptualised to handle a spectrum of missions from peace to war.

In peace, it is able to remain operationally ready to provide 24/7 air defence, as well as to be deployed for contingency missions in our region and beyond when called upon. In war, it will employ air power to continue air defence and achieve air superiority for the SAF.

As part of the 3rd Generation transformation, the RSAF restructured itself into six commands, namely Air Defence and Operations Command (ADOC), Air Combat Command (ACC), Participation Command (PC), Air Power Generation Command (APGC), UAV Command (UC) and Air Force Training Command (AFTC).

The RSAF also continued its modernisation through the operationalisation of more advanced systems, such as F-15SG fighter aircraft, Gulfstream 550 - Airborne Early Warning (AEW), Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), SPYDER ground-based air defence system and the Heron 1 UAV.

During these visits, students view aircraft static displays and get a tour of the Air Bases to gain a better understanding of their operations.

RSAF personnel, including Full-time National Servicemen, are on hand to share their experiences.

This initiative aims to engage the youths in Singapore and raise their awareness of the RSAF's role in defending the country.

Types of RSAF Aircraft

Fixed-wing Aircraft

A fixed-wing aircraft is a flying machine, such as an aeroplane which is capable of flight using wings that generate lift caused by the aircraft's forward airspeed and the shape of the wings.

The RSAF has the following fixed wing aircrafts: F-15SG, F-16SG, C-130 Hercules, Fokker-50, G-550 Airborne Early Warning and A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

Rotary-Wing Aircraft

A rotary-wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine that generates lift using rotary wings or rotor blades. A rotory-wing aircraft generally include aircraft where one or more rotors provide lift throughout the entire flight, such as helicopters, etc.

The RSAF has the following rotary-wing aircrafts: AH-64D Apache Longbow, S-70B Seahawk, CH-47 Chinook, AS332 Super Puma .

Source: Images and content taken from RSAF Official page at: https://www.mindef.gov.sg/web/portal/rsaf/home/

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