At the invitation of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), 1 Squadron deployed F/A-18F Super Hornet aircraft and supporting personnel to the country last month, operating from Changi East Air Base.
Singapore is one of Australia’s closest defence partners in Southeast Asia. The partnership is characterised by high levels of strategic trust, military cooperation and high-end interoperability.
The flying activity centred on ‘dissimilar basic fighting manoeuvres’, which had the RAAF F/A-18F’s mixing it up with RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The aim of the activity was to enhance interoperability with the RSAF and mutually improve basic fighting manoeuvre skills.
Squadron Leader Glyn Williams, B Flight Commander with 1 Squadron, appreciated working closely in the air with his RSAF counterparts in what were friendly but competitive missions – typical of fast jet activities.
“Flying with the RSAF was hugely beneficial for 1 Squadron both in terms of improving our fighting skills and enhancing our ability to work together,” Squadron Leader Williams said.
“The RSAF were immensely professional and both RAAF and RSAF aircrew gained excellent training fighting different platform types.
“They were also very welcoming and bonds were formed, which will be invaluable in future joint exercises.”
