Dr Ng: Realistic Experience at Joint Military Training Hones SAF’s Operational Competencies

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (right) interacting with servicemen from the Republic of Singapore Air Force during his visit to the Joint Military Training in India.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)-Indian Air Force (IAF) Joint Military Training (JMT) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station today. As part of his visit, Dr Ng viewed the RSAF F-16 and the IAF Su-30 fighter aircraft involved in the exercise, and interacted with the RSAF and IAF exercise participants. 

Speaking after the visit, Dr Ng thanked the Indian Government for providing realistic and challenging training opportunities for the RSAF to hone its operational readiness. He said, "(It was) very impressive, and this is the reason why our air force trains with your (Indian) air force. Your pilots are superb, planes (are) equally good, and the RSAF gets immeasurable value from training here with you, and (with) experienced pilots like you…We have been having bilateral air exercises since 2004, and…I hope that these bilateral exercises will last very long." 

The RSAF deployed six F-16C/D fighter aircraft to train with the IAF's Su-30 fighter aircraft in this year's JMT. The bilateral training has grown in scale and complexity over the years to involve advanced aircraft and high-end training missions such as Dissimilar Air Combat Training and Mission-Oriented Training.

Highlighting the significance of the RSAF's participation in the JMT, the RSAF Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tan Wuen Bin, said, "The JMT provides us an excellent opportunity to interact and train alongside our Indian counterparts. It allows both forces to conduct realistic training and deepen mutual understanding and rapport."

Reaffirming the strong and long-standing defence relations between the two air forces, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal Anil Khosla said, "The RSAF is a professional air force and a valued partner to the IAF. It is important for the RSAF and IAF to continue to build interoperability and foster mutual understanding through the high end-training missions at the JMT." 
 
The JMT provides the RSAF with regular opportunities to train with the IAF and is testament to the strong and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and India. It is conducted under the ambit of the Air Force Bilateral Agreement, which was renewed in January 2017. Aside from training together, the two air forces also interact regularly through visits, cross-attendance of courses and other professional exchanges.

Later today, Dr Ng will speak at the Brookings Institution India Centre on the topic "Singapore-India Ties - A Unique and Strategic Relationship."

Dr Ng (left) accompanied by Air Vice Marshal A P Singh(right) as they prepare to board the Indian Air Force's Tejas Light Combat Aircraft during his visit to the JMT.

Dr Ng (centre) with senior commanders from the IAF and RSAF in front of the RSAF's F-16.