Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the launch of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) 50th anniversary heartlands exhibition at Toa Payoh HDB Hub this afternoon. Dr Ng autographed on a mock-up of the RSAF50-themed F-15SG tailfin and interacted with members of the public, RSAF personnel, as well as students from the National Cadet Corp. He also viewed exhibits which showcased the 3rd Generation RSAF's operational capabilities, as well as weapon systems on static display such as the Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER), I-HAWK and RBS70 Ground-Based Air Defence systems, and the Hermes 450 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Dr Ng was hosted by the Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan.

Also known as the RSAF50@Heartlands, the roving exhibition will travel to another four heartland locations across Singapore from March to May 2018.  Members of the public will be able to interact with the RSAF airmen and women, as well as learn more about the RSAF's capabilities through the interactive Enhanced Island Air Defence panel which is being unveiled to the public for the first time, and static displays of aircraft and weapon systems. Visitors can also get a first-hand experience on flight simulators, and contribute to the RSAF50 Mural at specialised photo-taking booths featuring different animated backgrounds. They can also get a taste of life in the RSAF by donning uniforms and having their photos professionally taken at the RSAF Photobooth.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Chairman of the Organising Committee for RSAF50@Heartlands, Colonel Ho Yung Peng said, "From March to May 2018, the RSAF will be travelling to five heartland locations across Singapore to celebrate the RSAF's 50th anniversary with fellow Singaporeans. Singaporeans will have the chance to come up close and personal with the RSAF assets and weapon systems that are on display, interact with the RSAF airmen and women who defend our skies every day, and have a first-hand experience of RSAF operations through exciting demonstrations, simulators and interactive exhibits. We hope that through the RSAF50@Heartlands, we can show our appreciation to fellow Singaporeans for their strong support through the years and at the same time, pay tribute to all past and present airmen and women for their dedication and contributions in defending Singapore."

Also present at the launch were grassroots leaders from the Toa Payoh community and senior commanders from the RSAF. The RSAF50 exhibition will be at Sembawang from 31 Mar to 1 Apr, Punggol from 14 to 15 Apr, Bedok from 12 to 13 May and Jurong East from 26 to 27 May.

For more details on the RSAF50 celebratory events, please visit www.facebook.com/TheRSAF.