Background

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will celebrate its 55th anniversary this year, marking a key milestone in the RSAF's mission to protect Singapore's skies.

The RSAF will be commemorating this key milestone through a series of events from June to September 2023. RSAF55 is also an opportunity for the RSAF to thank fellow Singaporeans for their unwavering support towards safeguarding Singapore's skies and sovereignty. At NDP 2023, the RSAF will put up an Enhanced Aerial Display showcasing the RSAF's flying assets and signifying the RSAF's progress since its humble beginnings on 1 September 1968. On 1 September 2023 during the RSAF Day, the RSAF will hold the RSAF55 Parade to mark its 55th anniversary. During the September school holidays, the RSAF will organise the RSAF55 Open House at Paya Lebar Air Base as the capstone RSAF55 event. The RSAF will also launch the RSAF Cares campaign from June 2023, where airmen and women will participate in various community service efforts to play a role in building a shared Singapore future. Refer to Figure 1 below for a timeline on the key activities for RSAF55.

Figure 1. RSAF55 Timeline

NDP Enhanced Aerial Display

The RSAF will put up an Enhanced Aerial Display at this year's National Day Parade, showcasing some of the RSAF's newest assets. Beyond the participants at the Padang, the RSAF will reach out to Singaporeans in the heartlands through ‘Fly Our Flag' and the ‘RSAF55 Island Flypast'. The former comprises an RSAF Chinook helicopter carrying the state flag, escorted by two Apache attack helicopters. The latter comprises F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft as well as the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport. Through these, the RSAF hopes to engage Singaporeans and share in the common joy of our nation's birthday.

RSAF55 Parade

As part of tradition, the RSAF55 Parade will be conducted on 1 September 2023 on RSAF Day. This year's parade is will be held at Tengah Air Base, with airmen past and present, including NSmen, to mark the RSAF's 55th anniversary.

RSAF55 Open House

The RSAF55 Open House will be held from 9 to 10 Sep 2023 at Paya Lebar Air Base. The public can view static displays of the RSAF assets such as the F-15SG fighter aircraft and the Aster 30 Missile System, watch capability demonstrations of the RSAF assets, learn more about the various vocations and responsibilities of RSAF airmen and women, as well as experience familiarisation flights on RSAF aircraft and helicopters.

RSAF Cares Campaign

As part of RSAF55, the RSAF will launch the RSAF Cares campaign, a coordinated effort to meaningfully serve the community and raise funds for community initiatives as one RSAF. Running from June to September 23, RSAF Cares will support the #giveasoneSG efforts as well as launch initiatives to support the less-privileged and give back to the community. The initiatives include beach cleaning activities, blood donation drives, volunteering efforts as well as a charity drive. The RSAF hopes that the campaign will make a difference and play a part in contributing to a resilient and united nation.

RSAF Children's Book – Wings of My Own

An RSAF-themed children's book, titled "Wings of My Own", will be produced to share a story about the Air Force with young children, who are Singapore's future. Written by RSAF personnel, the book is scheduled to be launched in August 2023. RSAF volunteers will be doing book reading sessions at community venues as part of engagement efforts. 

RSAF55 Logo and Tagline

Figure 2. RSAF55 Logo and Tagline

A Hawker Hunter, the RSAF's first fighter aircraft, flies in from the bottom of the logo and transforms into the F-15SG fighter aircraft. The Hawker Hunter signifies the RSAF's heritage and reminds us of the RSAF's humble beginnings. The vertical climb symbolises the RSAF's journey through 55 years of serving and protecting the nation, as well as the RSAF's transformation into a modern and capable force. The RSAF's continued pursuit of excellence is capped off by an F-15SG fighter aircraft – presently the RSAF's most advanced fighter jet. The RSAF roundel is cradled within the ‘5', representing our airmen and women who have been the backbone of our progress.

The tagline Defending Our Skies, Securing Our Future highlights that the RSAF's mission to ‘defend our skies' remains at our core, and ‘securing our future' signifies the shared purpose with Singaporeans to ensure that Singapore continues to progress and thrive. As the RSAF evolves with the ever-changing security landscape, we are anchored by our purpose to secure the common future we share as Singaporeans, and stand ready to safeguard our home whenever called upon.

RSAF55 F-15SG Tail Flash

Figure 3. RSAF55 Tail Flash Outboard

Figure 4. RSAF55 Tail Flash Inboard

Figure 5. RSAF55 F-15SG during the painting process

Aircraft tail flashes are traditionally used as a symbol of pride, ownership, and as a rallying point for the RSAF personnel. The RSAF55 F-15SG Tail Flash features bolded block letters to reflect our pride in achieving this significant milestone. The blue swoosh, reminiscent of the vertical climb present in the RSAF55 Logo, signifies the RSAF soaring to greater heights and the continued pursuit of excellence. The Lion Head represents the RSAF's commitment to defend Singapore and Singaporeans.