A Singapore Government Agency Website

This is where searing passion meets cutting-edge innovation. Where willpower meets firepower, shaping you into a force for our nation. Over here, pressure is your best friend. Adversity your favourite teacher. Because you are trained to feed off the heat. Equipped to perform in the eye of the storm and the face of the impossible. There is no challenge that fazes you. No circumstance can make you throw in the towel.

This is where you push yourself to soar above all.
Where you learn to be the greatest version of yourself.

GET INSPIRED
FIND YOUR #ABOVEALL
Explore Now

Whether it's heading combat mission teams or solving complex engineering problems, our airwomen are not here to make up the numbers. They're here to set the standards and lead the charge.
Find out why more and more women are joining the Air Force.

FIND OUT MORE
WOMEN IN THE FORCE

FLEET AND
WEAPONRY

Explore our range of aircraft and weapon systems. Then imagine being in control of some of the most advanced equipment in the world.

  • F-15SG

    Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft

    F-15SG

    Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    The all-weather F-15SG aircraft is one of the most capable and lethal multi-role aircraft in the world. Designed with the latest avionics, an integrated sensor suite and advanced weapons, it elevates the RSAF's air defence and strike capabilities.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 3,087 km/h
    Combat Ceiling: 19,200 m

    SPECS

    Length: 19.45 m
    Wingspan: 13.04 m
    Height: 5.64 m

    CREW

    1 x Pilot
    1 x Weapon Systems Officer

  • M-346

    Trainer Aircraft

    M-346

    Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    Advanced jet trainer aircraft used to train the next generation of fighter aircrew, it closely replicates the flight performance of advanced fighter aircraft.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 1092.68 km/h
    Service Ceiling: 13,716 m

    SPECS

    Length: 11.49 m
    Wingspan: 9.72 m
    Height: 4.91 m

    CREW

    1 x Student
    1 x Instructor

  • A330 MRTT

    Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft

    A330 MRTT

    Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    The A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) is a next-generation tanker aircraft that is capable of conducting air-to-air refueling and airlift missions simultaneously, providing the RSAF with greater operational flexibility.

    PERFORMANCE

    Cruise Speed: 1,061.93 km/h
    Service Ceiling: 12,600 m

    SPECS

    Length: 58.80 m
    Wingspan: 60.30 m
    Height: 17.40 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    1 x Air Crew Specialist

  • C-130 HERCULES

    Transport Aircraft

    C-130 HERCULES

    Transport Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    A multi-role platform that excels in its primary role of troop and cargo lift, while capable of fulfilling other roles such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations as well as search-and-locate missions.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 592.64 km/h
    Maximum Range: 8,889.6 km
    Endurance: 15 hours
    Service Ceiling: 12,192 m

    SPECS

    Length: 30.32 m
    Wingspan: 40.41 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    1 x Navigator
    1 x Load Master
    1 x Flight Engineer

    SEATING CAPACITY

    92 x Passengers

  • AS332M SUPER PUMA

    Medium-Lift Helicopter

    AS332M SUPER PUMA

    Medium-Lift Helicopter

    DESCRIPTION

    A long-serving workhorse of the RSAF, the AS332M Super Puma is a versatile helicopter that is on 24/7 standby for search-and-rescue missions to save lives, and also provides air support for troop-lift and underslung cargo transport to support SAF operations.

    PERFORMANCE

    Powerplant: 2 x Turbomeca Makila 1A engines with 1310kW (1756 hp) each
    Max. Speed: 309.28 km/h
    Max. Range: 777.84 km

    SPECS

    Length: 18.70 m
    Rotor Diameter: 15.60 m
    Height: 3.90 m
    Width: 4.90 m

    CREW

    1 x Crew Chief
    2 x Pilots

  • CH-47SD CHINOOK

    Heavy-Lift Helicopter

    CH-47SD CHINOOK

    Heavy-Lift Helicopter

    DESCRIPTION

    The CH-47SD Chinook is a tandem rotor helicopter employed for various roles such as search-and-rescue operations, casualty evacuation, troop lift, fire-fighting, para-jumping and cargo transport.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 314.84 km/h
    Maximum Range: 1,203.80 km
    Endurance: 4.5 hours

    SPECS

    Length: 30.20 m
    Rotor Diameter: 18.30 m
    Height: 5.69 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    55 x Passengers or 24 x Stretchers with 2 x Medics

  • S-70B SEAHAWK

    Navy Helicopter

    S-70B SEAHAWK

    Navy Helicopter

    DESCRIPTION

    Armed with advanced radar and sonar systems, the S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter provides our Navy with formidable anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 259.28 km/h
    Maximum Range: About 740.80 km
    Gross Weight: 9,600 kg
    Hover Ceiling: 2,200 m

    SPECS

    Length: 19.76 m
    Rotor Diameter: 16.35 m
    Height: 5.20 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    1 x Tactical Coordinator Officer
    1 x Sensor Supervisor

  • HERMES 450

    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

    HERMES 450

    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

    DESCRIPTION

    This unmanned aerial vehicle has long endurance and improved detection capabilities. It is also equipped with a communication system that can transfer imagery in real time, enabling commanders to make faster decisions.

    PERFORMANCE

    Cruise Speed: 129.64 km/h
    Endurance: >14 hours
    Maximum Range: 100 km
    Payload Capability: Electro-Optical / Infrared & Laser Designator

    SPECS

    Length: 6.10 m
    Wingspan: 10.50 m

  • SPYDER

    Ground-Based Air Defence Missile System

    SPYDER

    Ground-Based Air Defence Missile System

    DESCRIPTION

    Highly capable, lethal, anti-munition and anti-aircraft GBAD system. It is the first 3rd Gen weapon system to be integrated into Singapore's Island Air Defence System. The system is able to see more, shoot further and is smarter to safeguard Singapore's peace and security.

    PERFORMANCE

    Intercept Range: 15 km
    Intercept Altitude: 9 km

    CREW

    1 x Team Commander
    1 x Team 2IC
    1 x Air Defence Systems Specialist
    1 x Air Defence Weapon Specialist
    2 x Air Defence Weapon Operators

  • RBS-70

    Man-Portable Air Defence System

    RBS-70

    Man-Portable Air Defence System

    DESCRIPTION

    Laser beam-riding weapon for engagement of visually detected targets, capable of intercepting targets up to a range of 8,000 m and an altitude of 3,000 m.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Effective Range: 5 km
    Maximum Altitude: 3 km
    Maximum Missile Speed: 2,062.12 km/h

    CREW

    1x Team Commander
    1x Team 2IC
    1x Air Defence Systems Specialist
    1x Air Defence Weapons Specialist
    2x Air Defence Weapon Operators

  • FPS-117

    Radar

    FPS-117

    Radar

    DESCRIPTION

    A long range air defence radar that has a high-precision detection capability and a range of up to 463 km.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Range: Up to 463 km

  • F-16C/D/D+

    Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft

    F-16C/D/D+

    Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    The F-16C/D/D+ Fighting Falcon is equipped for precision in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions – during the day and at night. The aircraft features modern avionics, sophisticated radar, smart weapons compatibility and state-of-the-art navigation and targeting systems.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: Over Mach Over 2,469.60 km/h
    Combat Ceiling: About 15,000 m

    SPECS

    Length: 15.06 m
    Wingspan: 10.01 m
    Height: 4.88 m

    CREW

    For F-16D+:
    1 x Pilot
    1 x Weapon Systems Officer

    For F-16C/D:
    1 x Pilot

  • PC-21

    Trainer Aircraft

    PC-21

    Trainer Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    Highly advanced tandem-seat turboprop aircraft trainer that allows trainees to build a strong foundation in flying fundamentals.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 685.24 km/h
    Service Ceiling: 7,620 m

    SPECS

    Length: 11.24 m
    Wingspan: 9.11 m
    Height: 3.75 m

    CREW

    1 x Student
    1 x Instructor

  • G550 AEW

    Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

    G550 AEW

    Airborne Early Warning Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    Equipped with a sophisticated mission suite that includes an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, the G550 AEW provides airborne early warning by detecting, identifying and tracking aerial targets.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 1,012.53 km/h
    Endurance: 9 hours
    Service Ceiling: 12,486.80 m

    SPECS

    Length: 29.80 m
    Wingspan: 28.50 m
    Height: 8.30 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    6 x Air Warfare Officers

  • FOKKER 50 MPA

    Maritime Patrol Aircraft

    FOKKER 50 MPA

    Maritime Patrol Aircraft

    DESCRIPTION

    A maritime patrol aircraft that provides maritime air surveillance to protect sea lines of communications, as well as supports search and locate operations and transportation of personnel.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 407.44 km/h
    Maximum Range: 4,815.20 km
    Endurance: 8 hours

    SPECS

    Length: 25.25 m
    Wingspan: 29 m
    Height: 8.32 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    1 x Load Master
    3 x System Operators

  • H225M

    Medium-Lift Helicopter

    H225M

    Medium-Lift Helicopter

    DESCRIPTION

    The H225M comes with enhanced load capacity, cruising speed, range and in-flight agility, providing the RSAF with better lift and reach capability to meet operational demands, inclusive of search-and-rescue, aeromedical evacuation and HADR operations.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 324.10 km/h
    Maximum Range: >740.80 km

    SPECS

    Length: 19.50 m
    Rotor Diameter: 16.20 m
    Height: 4.97 m

    CREW

    2 x Pilots
    1 x Co-pilot
    1 x Air Crew Specialist (Air Refueling Operator)

    TRANSPORT CAPABILITY

    20 x Personnel or 11 Stretchers with 2 x Medics

  • AH-64D

    Attack Helicopter

    AH-64D

    Attack Helicopter

    DESCRIPTION

    A multi-mission attack helicopter able to navigate and conduct attacks in day, night and adverse weather conditions.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Speed: 272.24 km/h
    Endurance: 3 hours

    SPECS

    Length: 17.73 m
    Wingspan: 5.23 m
    Rotor Diameter: 14.63 m
    Height: 4.05 m, 4.95 m (Longbow)

    CREW

    1 x Pilot
    1 x Co-pilot/Gunner

  • Heron 1

    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

    Heron 1

    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

    DESCRIPTION

    A UAV featuring state-of-the-art avionics, detection capabilities and communication systems, with a fully automatic take-off and landing capability.

    PERFORMANCE

    Cruise Speed: 129.64 km/h
    Endurance: >24 hours
    Maximum Range: 200 km
    Payload Capability: Multi-mission Optronic Stabilised Payload (MOSP)

    SPECS

    Length: 8.80 m
    Wingspan: 16.60 m

  • Aerostat

    Tethered Balloon System

    Aerostat

    Tethered Balloon System

    DESCRIPTION

    A tethered balloon system equipped with sensors that provide continuous low-level air and maritime surveillance, to safeguard Singapore's peace and security

    PERFORMANCE

    Operating Height: 600 m
    Operating Duration: Capable of round-the-clock operations
    Sensor Capability: Detects air and maritime threats

    CREW

    8 x Ground Crews

  • ASTER-30

    Ground-Based Air Defence Missile System

    ASTER-30

    Ground-Based Air Defence Missile System

    DESCRIPTION

    An all-weather Medium-range Surface-to-Air Missile (MSAM) system that defends Singapore against a wide spectrum of air threats with its anti-aircraft and anti-missile capability.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Intercept Range: 70 km against fighter aircraft
    Maximum Intercept Altitude: 18.29 km
    Maximum Speed: 5,556.60 km/h

  • SHIKRA

    Radar

    SHIKRA

    Radar

    DESCRIPTION

    A three-dimensional mobile radar that provides low-level, high-fidelity radar coverage.

    PERFORMANCE

    Maximum Effective Range: 100 km
    Maximum Altitude: 25 km
    Scan Rate: 40 rpm

    CREW

    1 x Team Commander
    1 x Team 2IC
    1 x Air Defence Systems Specialist
    1 x Air Defence Weapons Specialist
    2 x Air Defence Weapon Operators

  • Multi Mission Radar

    Radar

    Multi Mission Radar

    Radar

    DESCRIPTION

    The Multi Mission Radar (MMR) is a 3D S-Band Mobile Radar that is part of Singapore's enhanced Island Air Defence System. It complements the SAF's suite of radars to provide early warning of potential air and ground threats for timely response.

    PERFORMANCE

    Range: Up to 350 km

    SPECS

    Scan Rate: 30 RPM
    Platform: 8 x 8 High Mobility Cargo Transporter (HMCT)

    CREW

    1 x Team Commander
    1 x Deputy Team Commander
    2 x Air Defence Systems Specialists
    4 x Air Defence Weapons Specialists

FLEET AND WEAPONRY

Love planes, engines and all things aviation? Awesome. Make a flying start in your aviation career with the Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC).

Build your foundation. Get familiar with aircraft operations.

Turbocharge your potential in the SYFC, then unleash it with us in the RSAF.

FROM SYFC
TO RSAF

LTA MERRICK PHANG
"SYFC has provided me with an opportunity to explore an industry that I previously had little knowledge about. The amazing flying experience that I have been privileged to be a part of has undeniably sparked my passion to join the RSAF."
READ MORE
MAJ MUHAMMAD ISKANDAR
"Many of the life lessons that have been integrated into the SYFC programme have put me in good stead to hone my full potential – not only to be a pilot, but also a leader."
READ MORE
TRAINING PROGRESSION
  • Basic Flying Course Phase 1 3 months
  • Basic Flying Course Phase 2* 3 months
  • Private Pilot License Course 6 months
  • *Only students who have demonstrated the competencies of flying at the end of BFC2 will be given the opportunity to make their 1st solo flight, which marks the end of this phase.
  • Out of those who achieved 1st solo, only outstanding students will be recommended for the PPL Course.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Singapore citizen
  • Student in a JC, polytechnic or IP/IB schools who is age 16 years and above
  • Eyesight <600 degrees per eye
  • Astigmatism <200 degrees per eye
  • Height 1.62-1.90 m
  • To view the full list of requirements for joining the SYFC, do visit their webpage.
FIND YOUR WINGS.
GET STARTED WITH SYFC.
SINGAPORE YOUTH FLYING CLUB

Opportunity presents itself in various forms.

LTA Merrick Phang's presented itself during a school career fair, where he approached an SYFC recruiter to learn more. Since he originally had the intention of becoming a military pilot, he was naturally interested in being a part of the SYFC programme.

MY SYFC STORY

After completing my COMPASS test, aeromedical assessment and interview, I started my SYFC journey after my 'A' Level exam with the Post-'A' Level Course* (PAC) – an accelerated programme that aims to develop individuals who are keen on joining the RSAF as a pilot.

I began my time in SYFC with PAC-14, flying the Diamond DA40 aircraft. Besides learning the technical aspects of flying, I developed my confidence in handling the aircraft from my Basic Flying Course (BFC) instructor Mr Lionel Lye, which eventually led to my first solo flight. As I progressed, Mr Simon Sim took me for the final phase of my training. During my time with him, he further developed my flying competency and ability to handle pressure when put in difficult situations. This eventually led to me attaining the coveted SYFC Wings before I enlisted for Basic Military Training.

SYFC provided me with an opportunity to explore a field that I previously had little knowledge about. In addition to my flying experience with SYFC, my interactions with the management and instructors of SYFC further affirmed my decision to join the RSAF.

MY RSAF JOURNEY

My journey to becoming a pilot began with my enrolment into the 172nd Basic Wings Course whilst flying the Pilatus PC-21 with 130 Squadron. During my stint with 130 Squadron, I was fortunate to be awarded the SAF Academic Scholarship under the Undergraduate Pilot Scheme.

After pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with Nanyang Technological University, I returned to the RSAF to continue my training in 2021.

* The Post-'A' Levels Course (PAC) is a full-time programme which accelerates your path to obtaining a Private Pilot's License (PPL). The course will begin after your last A-Level paper, and stretch until you pass your Final Handling Test (FHT). During this period of time, you are expected to fully commit yourself to the programme. From Tuesday to Friday, you will be required to be present at SYFC to go through lessons, simulator sessions, flights and study.

READ NEXT STORY

"TO LEAD, TO EXCEL AND TO OVERCOME."

That is the creed every Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer recites, and those are the very principles Singapore Youth Flying Club (SYFC) graduate MAJ Muhammad Iskandar lives by.

Today, MAJ Iskandar is a fighter pilot in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), entrusted to plan, lead and execute various complex multinational operations and exercises in the SAF. Since joining the RSAF in 2008, MAJ Iskandar has excelled in his job, earning multiple local and international accolades. He was the top graduate of his cohort in the Officer Cadet School (OCS), in his Basic Wings Course (BWC) in Australia, and at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Flying Training Center in Canada (NFTC). In 2012, the RSAF Fighter Group presented him with the 144 Squadron's Best Fighter Pilot Award.

MAJ Iskandar, who is also a recipient of the SAF Academic Scholarship, pursued a B.A. (Honours) in Political Science with International Relations at the University of British Columbia, Canada. As one of the top graduates in his university cohort, he was awarded two of the university's most prestigious scholarships – the UBC Premier Undergraduate (John H. Mitchell Memorial) Scholarship and the Wesbrook Scholarship, making him the first student from an ASEAN member state to receive those awards. In 2018, he was awarded the SAF Overseas Masters Sponsorship and the University of Oxford Scholarship to pursue a Master's degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford.

We spoke to him to gain an insight into his journey with the SYFC.

MY SYFC STORY

I started my SYFC journey in 2001 in Secondary 1 as part of the CCA Aeromodelling programme. Under the guidance of the instructors, I learnt how to build a control-line airplane from scratch, gaining a hands-on appreciation of flight mechanics. Subsequently in 2005, I joined the 138th Basic Flying Course (BFC), where I learnt how to fly the PA-28 Piper Warrior and the theory behind flying operations. I remember the first 10 sorties being really challenging, but I was fortunate to have completed the BFC and been selected to undergo the PPL phase. It was in the PPL phase that I felt really comfortable in the cockpit. I knew then that flying was my passion and my calling. I graduated with my PPL Wings in 2006.

TAKEAWAYS FROM SYFC

My SYFC journey played a fundamental role in shaping me into who I am today. I learnt how to stay calm under pressure in SYFC. I clearly remember the words of my Primary Instructor (PI) Mr Simon Sim, 'I am not here to teach you only how to fly this Piper Warrior, I am here to teach you how to have the instinct to become a fighter pilot one day'. Therefore, in every flight I faced different forms of challenges as I attempted to fly while maintaining situational awareness. Looking back, I know that the consistent element of being challenged in the SYFC shaped my ability to remain calm under pressure today – a vital skill for any fighter pilot.

In addition, SYFC also instilled in me the sense of grit and camaraderie. The PPL phase was challenging for me as my brother was diagnosed with a brain tumour. That meant spending many hours at the hospital wards while juggling my academic curriculum, the flying preparations and completing the CAAS examinations. With the support of my ground school instructor Mr Preetwant Singh and my fellow PPL course mates, I overcame all those obstacles to successfully complete the PPL programme and my GCE 'A' Levels. Therefore, SYFC taught me that flying is not a solo achievement, it requires the collective effort of a team. There is no point in being the best; when your peers are struggling, the objective is to develop together and excel as a team – because at the end of the day, we are fighting on the same side.

More importantly, the training I gained from SYFC prepared me to be an operational fighter pilot in the RSAF, to lead others, to excel in everything I do, and to overcome adversity with courage, fortitude and determination.