Senior Minister of State for Defence Witnesses RSAF's Combat Capabilities

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung being briefed on the avionics of the F-15SG on board the aircraft.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Air Combat Command (ACC) at Paya Lebar Air Base this morning. Hosted by Commander ACC, Colonel Tommy Tan Ah Han, Mr Ong received a brief on the roles and operational capabilities of the ACC, observed a fighter aircraft scramble demonstration and went on a familiarisation flight on board an F-15SG. As part of his visit, Mr Ong also interacted with RSAF personnel.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Ong expressed confidence in the ability of the RSAF to safeguard the safety and security of Singapore against aerial threats. He said, "I witnessed first-hand the professionalism and operational readiness of our servicemen and women. When the siren sounded for the aircraft to be scrambled, the RSAF's aircrew and ground crew worked seamlessly for the aircraft to take off as quickly as possible. Every second counts during a scramble and I am assured that we have an RSAF that functions at a high level of proficiency. I am confident that the RSAF is ready and capable of defending Singapore against any aerial threats."

The ACC is responsible for the planning, control and execution of air battle in operations, as well as the training of the pilots and aircrew of all fighter and transport squadrons of the RSAF. The ACC's fleet of F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft are on 24/7 standby on a rotational basis and can be scrambled for operations within minutes. In 2008, two F-16s had responded swiftly to intercept a civilian aircraft which had intruded into Singapore's airspace, and safely escorted it to land at Changi Airport. The RSAF maintains a high level of operational readiness and stands ready at all times to respond swiftly to any threats to Singapore's security.

Mr Ong interacting with the servicemen from 149 Squadron as part of his visit to the Air Combat Command.