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The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) marks its 50th
anniversary with a flypast at this year’s National Day Parade (NDP).
Many of you staying around the holding areas for the RSAF aircraft
and helicopters may have noticed the upsized air segment or heard the flypast
roar into action during the rehearsals.
At last Saturday’s NDP preview, the commentator said the
flypast was made up of every manned aircraft used by the RSAF. While
technically correct for Singapore-based RSAF aircraft, it would have been nice to also recognise aircraft based outside Singapore that carry the RSAF insignia proudly.
These are the Pilatus PC-21 flown by 130 Squadron as trainer aircraft at the Royal
Australian Air Force Base Pearce in Perth, Australia, and the Aermacchi M-346 which is operated as an
advanced jet trainer by 150 Squadron in Cazaux, France.
The commentator could have said:“In addition, the Air Force also flies
PC-21 trainer with 130 Squadron in Australia and the M-346 advanced jet trainer
with 150 Squadron in France”.
Afterall, without these overlooked squadrons/aircraft, the
flypast would not be possible. It would also be a subtle way to remind the public that RSAF training takes place round the clock and round the world, with detachments sustained in Asia, CONUS and Europe - a feat many Singaporeans take for granted.
Speaking of being overlooked, the parade commentary should have highlighted
the streamers carried by the colours for Headquarters Commando and the RSAF
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command. These streamers were awarded to recognise the
contributions and achievements of the Commandos and UAV Command who saw action in separate Singapore Armed
Forces (SAF) operations more than 20 years ago.
The Commandos earned their operations streamer for the SQ117
hostage rescue in 1991 while the RSAF UAV command was awarded its “Timika 1996”
streamer for its deployment of a Scout UAV detachment to support a TNI-led
hostage rescue mission in Indonesia’s Irian Jaya province.
People sometimes criticise the SAF for being an untested force. These streamers tell a different story.
It’s been more than
20 years since Timika and what used to be hush-hush shouldn’t be anymore,
particularly in an important anniversary year for the Air Force and with a streamer held
high by the UAV Command ensign in plain sight, visible to one and all.
Have we also missed out on the EC-120?
ReplyDeleteHi Ben,
ReplyDeleteEC-120 Colibri fleet is owned and maintained by ST Aero. But you're right, these birds also carry the RSAF roundel.
db
Well an RSAF M-346 did take part in the Bastille Day 2018 flypast, so that’s covered..
ReplyDeleteI’m still of the opinion that the RSAF should take a good look at operating 24 locally based M-346 FA for a variety of roles like Air Policing, Ground Attack, companion training, proficiency training and even as dissimilar aggressors.