Opening Address by the Chief of Air Force, at the launch of the RSAF50 Celebrations at the Singapore Airshow 2018

Our Guest of Honour, President of the Republic of Singapore, Madam Halimah Yacob Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen
Second Minister for Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung
Senior Minister of State for Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Permanent Secretary for Defence,
Chief of Defence Force,
Chief of Navy,
Chiefs of Air Forces,
Former Air Force Chiefs of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF),
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

Good morning and a warm welcome to Singapore Airshow 2018 at the launch of the RSAF Golden Jubilee. First, I would like to thank Madam President, who is gracing today's occasion as we celebrate 50 years of the RSAF. The President's Office has always been a strong supporter of the RSAF, and it is with this strong support that our Air Force is able to grow into an advanced force today. This morning, we are indeed honoured to have Madam President officially launch our year-long RSAF50 celebrations with the unveiling of our F-15SG painted in commemorative colours.

Our Air Force was born in September 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command. Back then, all we had were two Cessna aircraft that we borrowed from the Singapore Flying Club for basic flight training. Today, 50 years on, we have matured into an Air Force that not only operates around the clock, but also around the world. Much of this credit goes to our Air Force pioneers, many of whom are able to join us today. They swiftly inducted and operationalised capabilities to defend our skies. They also had a keen eye for the future, building a lasting culture of excellence and robust systems. Their vision and spirit continue to inspire our men and women of our Air Force today.

I would also like to acknowledge my fellow Air Force Chiefs, as well as senior officers from friendly Air Forces which are represented here today. Over the years, your gracious hospitality has allowed our RSAF airmen and women to train in your countries to hone their skills. Opportunities for our Air Forces to exercise together have not only enhanced our interoperability, but more importantly helped to build strong mutual trust amongst our people. Our countries remain vulnerable to terrorist threats such as the 9/11-style attacks, and with an increasing volume of air traffic, this close collaboration between our Air Forces will be even more critical today to ensure the safety of our skies and the prosperity of all our nations. I think the strong international turnout today underscores our shared commitment towards this end.

Today, the RSAF kicks start the first of many events lined up for RSAF50 celebrations. In the next few months, we will go into the Singapore heartlands with our exhibits so that our fellow Singaporeans can celebrate RSAF50 with us. In August, we will be performing the crowd favourite flypast and aerial display at our National Day Parade, and at the Marina Barrage during the same weekend. The celebrations will culminate in the RSAF50 parade on the 1st of September, the day our Air Force was born 50 years ago.

To my fellow airmen and women of the RSAF, we have come a long way from humble beginnings, and have many reasons to be very proud of our achievements. On this occasion of our Air Force's 50th Anniversary, let us re-dedicate our commitment to place the defence of 'Our Home, Above All'.

Once again, I would like to thank Madam President for gracing today's occasion. I wish everyone an enjoyable day ahead. Thank you.

More Resources

President Halimah Officiates Launch of RSAF50 at Singapore Airshow 2018

Fact Sheet: RSAF50-Themed F-15SG