SAF focuses SAL Operations in Malacca Strait

Following the Malaysian authorities' announcement earlier today that the Search-and-Locate (SAL) operation in the South China Sea has been called off, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has ceased its search efforts there as well. Since 8 March 2014, the SAF has supported the SAL operation in the South China Sea with C-130 aircraft, a Formidable-class frigate (RSS Steadfast) with a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter on board, a Victory-class missile corvette (RSS Vigour) as well as a submarine support and rescue vessel with divers on board. These ships and aircraft along with SAF personnel supporting this operation, are on their way back to Singapore.

The SAF will continue to support the SAL operation in the Malacca Strait with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Fokker- 50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (F-50 MPA) which was deployed to Butterworth Air Base, Malaysia, yesterday.

The SAF stands ready to provide further assistance to Malaysia in support of the SAL efforts.