SAF Assets Deployed in Response to Missing AirAsia Plane

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has deployed assets to assist in the search and locate (SAL) operation for the missing Singapore-bound AirAsia plane (QZ8501). The SAF is working closely with the Indonesian authorities to search for the missing aircraft.

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft took off at around 5pm to assist in the SAL coordinated among the SAF, Singapore Rescue Co-ordination Centre (RCC) and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). It reached the search area at around 630pm and carried out the SAL operation for two hours. Following the Indonesian authorities calling off the search for the day, the aircraft has since departed the area of operations.  The RSAF will send two C-130 aircraft to continue the SAL operation tomorrow.

The SAF stands ready to commit more assets if required for the operation.