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Singapore and France Celebrate 20th Anniversary of Cazaux Detachment
13 July 2018
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Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (far right) and French Secretary of State to the Minister for the Armed Forces Geneviève Darrieussecq (far left) witnessing the unveiling of a commemorative plaque for the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Cazaux detachment.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the French Air Force (FAF) commemorated the 20th anniversary of 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base today. Singapore's delegation was led by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan. The French delegation included Secretary of State to the Minister for the Armed Forces Geneviève Darrieussecq and General Officer Commanding the South West Defense and Security Zone & Air Forces Commander Lieutenant-General Jean Rondel.
Dr Ng unveiled the 20th anniversary tail flash on an M-346 aircraft and witnessed a combined flypast by the RSAF's M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft and FAF's Alpha Jets. He also met the families of RSAF personnel based in Cazaux Air Base, and thanked them for their support.
During his speech to mark this milestone of defence relations between Singapore and France, Dr Ng highlighted the long history of defence cooperation and the strong bilateral relationship between both countries. He said, “The RSAF's presence in Cazaux is a physical testament to the strong and growing ties between our two countries. It is developed on a shared foundation of ideals and values for both our countries built on liberty, equality and fraternity… Twenty years on, I think we can say that the people of Cazaux and the RSAF families here are no longer strangers. They know each other, they trust each other. Their warm relationship reflects the ties between our two countries.”
150 Squadron operates the M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft which was inaugurated by Dr Ng in September 2014. The M-346 aircraft replaced the A-4SU Super Skyhawk for the Advanced Jet training programme, and enhances the training for our fighter aircrew trainees with its modern avionics systems, aerodynamic performance and sophisticated simulations. These advanced training facilities and systems allow our future F-15SG and F-16 aircrew to train on a wide range of operational missions, which is crucial to build strong fundamentals and enhance flying competencies.
Cazaux Air Base is home to 150 Squadron and its personnel, including instructional pilots, Air Force Engineers, flight aircrew trainees and support staff. The RSAF has conducted flying training in France since 1998. Such overseas training and detachments allow the RSAF to overcome the land and airspace constraints in Singapore. Both the RSAF and FAF also interact regularly through visits, various professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions are testament to the strong and broad-based defence relations between the two countries, and have strengthened the mutual understanding and camaraderie amongst personnel of both Air Forces.
Dr Ng is visiting France as part of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's delegation and will meet with French Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly tomorrow.
The combined flypast between the RSAF's M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft (far right) and two of the French Air Force's Alpha Jets at the 20th anniversary celebrations of the RSAF's Cazaux detachment.
More Resources
Fact Sheet: Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft