Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Air Marshal (AM) Melvin Hupfeld called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During the meeting, Dr Ng and AM Hupfeld reaffirmed the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia and the good progress made in deepening the relationship between the two air forces. Dr Ng and AM Hupfeld also exchanged views on regional security issues and the importance of multilateral platforms such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Prior to calling on Dr Ng, AM Hupfeld, who is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 14 to 16 August 2019, also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, after reviewing a Guard of Honour at MINDEF. AM Hupfeld also visited Sembawang Air Base this afternoon where he took a familiarisation flight on board a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) AS332 Super Puma helicopter.

AM Hupfeld's visit underscores the close and long-standing bilateral defence relationship between Singapore and Australia. The RSAF and RAAF have a long history of military cooperation with extensive interactions including bilateral and multilateral training exercises such as Exercise Pitch Black, high-level visits and professional exchanges.