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The RSAF responds to potential air threats with a robust 24/7 networked air defence system. Constantly monitoring the skies over Singapore, our Island Air Defence system enables us to respond swiftly and decisively to these potential air threats.
The RSAF's enhanced IAD system is a multi-layered, networked and island-wide air defence system which brings together sensors, weapons systems, command and control elements, and decision-making tools. The enhanced IAD is able to see more, be more responsive and is more capable in dealing with a wider spectrum of threats.
The RSAF is always on 24/7 standby, ready to respond swiftly to life-saving missions at a moment’s notice. Our Rescue 10 Search and Rescue Helicopter is often scrambled to evacuate personnel who require immediate medical attention to hospitals. It has also evacuated patients from onboard civilian vessels in the vicinity of Singapore.
After the collision between USS JOHN MCCAIN with a merchant vessel on 21 Aug 17, we activated our Super Puma to evacuate injured crew to Singapore General Hospital. Our Chinooks, C-130, Fokker 50, and Super Pumas, were also involved in the Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.
In Mar 14, we performed Search and Locate operations for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, in the South China Sea and Malacca Straits. We committed a total of 10 aircraft, which included the C-130, Chinooks, Fokker 50, and Super Puma.
In Sep 17, our Super Pumas, Chinooks and Fokker 50 responded to the collision between tanker KARTIKA SEGARA and the dredger JBB DE RONG 19 in Singapore territorial waters.
The RSAF has participated in numerous Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations at both regional and international levels. They are usually carried out in the aftermath of large-scale natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons and floods. HADR operations are carried out to provide assistance to the affected state to relieve the suffering of victims and also to assist in their rehabilitation efforts.
Four CH-47D Chinook helicopters and 34 airmen were deployed to Temple, Texas, for Hurricane Harvey relief operations in Sep 17. During the deployment, the RSAF worked closely with the Texas Army National Guard to transport personnel essential supplies such as food, water and equipment.
Our C-130 aircraft made a total of 11 flights into Nepal to transport personnel, equipment and relief supplies, as well as to evacuate 71 Singaporeans, along with 24 other nationals, back to Singapore in Apr 2015.
Our CH-47D Chinook helicopter and 34 personnel, together with a six-man team from the Singapore Civil Defence Force, were deployed for aerial fire fighting operations in Indonesia in Oct 15. Over two weeks, our Chinook helicopter flew a 5,000-litre heli-bucket, and two C-130 transport planes to ferry the SAF and SCDF personnel and their equipment to the area of operations.
Our KC-135R airlifted humanitarian supplies worth approximately S$270,000 to Bangladesh on 10 and 11 Oct 18 to provide relief to the displaced persons affected by the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State. The relief package, comprising tents, blankets, food, medical supplies, and lamps were donated by both the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Mercy Relief.
Singapore takes our international responsibilities and commitments seriously. We seek to contribute, within our means and in useful ways, towards multinational efforts to maintain international security. Given the common threat posed by transnational security challenges, Singapore's participation in overseas operations also helps to enhance our own security.
Over the years, the RSAF has participated in various Peace Support Operations, such as for Counter Terrorism, Counter-Piracy, Reconstruction, and Peacekeeping missions.
Since 2014, the SAF has been supporting the multinational coalition against the extremist threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. We have conducted periodic deployment of our KC-135R tanker aircraft to support air-to-air refuel operations.
The SAF deployed a 52-man Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Task Group to Afghanistan in 2010. This was part of Singapore's overall contribution to the multinational stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The SAF has been deploying to the Gulf of Aden since 2009 to support international counter-piracy efforts in that region. Our Super Pumas, S-70B Naval helicopter, and Fokker 50 Maritime Patrol aircraft have been deployed for these missions.
