News Releases
UK Chief of the Air Staff Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore
9 October 2018
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Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Stephen Hillier reviewing a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).
The Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Sir Stephen Hillier called on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen this morning. During their meeting, Dr Ng and ACM Hillier reaffirmed the long-standing bilateral defence relationship and discussed efforts to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This builds on the positive bilateral defence relations following the signing of the UK-Singapore Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (DCMOU) by Dr Ng and UK Secretary of State for Defence Gavin Williamson on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue in June 2018. The DCMOU captures existing bilateral defence relations and cooperation, as well as provides a foundation for future defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Prior to the meeting with Dr Ng, ACM Hillier also called on Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan, and reviewed a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence. ACM Hillier is on his introductory visit to Singapore from 7 to 9 October 2018. As part of his programme, ACM Hillier visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Air Combat Command and Air Power Generation Command at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB). He also viewed a static display of the F-15SG at PLAB.
ACM Hillier's visit underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and United Kingdom, underpinned by cooperation under the ambit of the Five Power Defence Arrangements. Both air forces enjoy regular defence interactions across multiple areas, such as high-level visits, military exercises and exchanges, policy dialogues and cross attendance of professional courses. Such interactions have fostered mutual understanding and enhanced interoperability between the personnel of both air forces.
ACM Hillier calling on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen in MINDEF this morning.