Minister for Defence Visits RSAF Personnel to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of Detachment in France and Meets French Defence Minister in Paris

Singapore Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) called on French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu (right) as part of his visit to France.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the French Air and Space Force (FASF) commemorated the 25th anniversary of the RSAF's Advanced Jet Training Detachment, or 150 Squadron, at Cazaux Air Base, France on 15 June 2023, with a celebration officiated by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen. During the visit hosted by Chief of Air Force, Major-General Kelvin Khong, Dr Ng received a brief on the detachment's training programme, witnessed a combined flypast by the RSAF's M-346 aircraft and the FASF's Alpha Jets, and flew onboard the M-346 aircraft for a familiarisation flight. The event was also witnessed by senior officers from the RSAF and FASF.

Since 1998, 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base has been home to generations of instructor pilots, Air Force Engineers, fighter aircrew trainees, support staff and their families. Such overseas training and detachments allow the RSAF to overcome the land and airspace constraints of Singapore.

Highlighting the training value of the 150 Squadron, Dr Ng said, "The training facility in Cazaux is very important to the RSAF. After the trainees get their basic wings, most of them come here before they go on to fighter jets, and this is where the fundamentals of flying tactics and basic skills are honed. We are very thankful to the French government and to the French defence force, their air force, and the people around here. On this 25th anniversary, I thought it was very important for me to come here and thank them personally."

Prior to the anniversary celebration, Dr Ng also met French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu in Paris, France, on 15 June 2023. During the meeting, Dr Ng and Mr Lecornu reaffirmed the two countries' commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, including in areas such as defence technology and cyber, as well as furthering cooperation on the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus. Dr Ng said, "Myself and Minister Lecornu shared perspectives on security challenges in our region. He has committed the French defence force to have a greater presence in Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. I think it is a good partnership and we look forward to strengthening defence ties."

Dr Ng's visit underscores the strong and broad-based defence relationship between Singapore and France. Both armed forces and defence establishments conduct regular professional exchanges and high-level interactions including joint military exercises, cross-attendance of courses, and dialogues. Earlier this year, the RSAF conducted bilateral training with the French Navy's Rafales during their deployment to the region. The Republic of Singapore Navy also hosted two French navy ships, the FS La Fayette and FS Dixmude, at the RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base as part of the Jeanne d'Arc mission, and the Singapore Army conducted an exchange with soldiers aboard the FS Dixmude. In April 2023, MINDEF signed an agreement with France's Ministry of the Armed Forces to establish a Joint Research & Development Laboratory to develop artificial intelligence capabilities for impactful defence applications.

As part of his visit to France, Dr Ng will also attend the 54th International Paris Air Show on 19 June 2023.

Dr Ng witnessed the unveiling of the 25th anniversary tail flash on an M-346 aircraft as part of the commemoration ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Advanced Jet Training Detachment, 150 Squadron, at Cazaux Air Base, France.

Dr Ng met the RSAF personnel from 150 Squadron and their families at Cazaux Air Base.

Dr Ng onboard the M-365 aircraft for a familiarisation flight.