Singapore and Malaysian Air Forces Conduct Bilateral Search and Rescue Exercise

The Search-and-Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING participants from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) discussing the mission plans for combined SAR operations.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are conducting the bilateral exercise, Search-and-Rescue Exercise (SAREX) MALSING, from 30 September to 4 October 2019 at Kuantan Air Base, Malaysia.

The five-day exercise involves Search-and-Rescue (SAR) aircrew, ground crew and medical teams from the RSAF and the RMAF. The exercise participants will plan and execute joint aerial search and medical evacuation operations based on a simulated aerial mishap situation. For the first time, the exercise will feature an RSAF AS332 Super Puma helicopter and an RMAF EC725 helicopter in SAR scenarios. In addition, the RSAF and the RMAF personnel will exchange professional knowledge and discuss areas of mutual interest.

Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong and Chief of the RMAF General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang co-officiated at the opening ceremony of SAREX MALSING earlier today. Speaking at the ceremony, MG Khong said, "With Malaysia and Singapore located close to each other geographically, there will be times when we need close coordination on our SAR responses to save lives promptly and safely. It is therefore important that our Air Forces are enhancing cooperation through professional exchanges of our respective SAR practices which will keep communication channels open, and grow competencies in an important area like SAR."

In addition to SAREX MALSING, the RSAF and the RMAF also interact regularly across a wide range of activities, including bilateral visits and professional exchanges, as well as multilateral activities under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong and Chief of the RMAF General Tan Sri Dato' Sri Hj Affendi bin Buang co-officiating at the opening ceremony of SAREX MALSING earlier today.

An RSAF aircrew searching for survivors as part of the SAREX MALSING scenario – a simulated aerial mishap situation.

The RSAF AS332 Super Puma helicopter conducting SAR operations of simulated survivors as part of SAREX MALSING.