Year-long celebration of RSAF50 to kick off next month

SINGAPORE — Singaporeans can look forward to aerobatic manoeuvres by fighter planes, aerial display performances, as well as helicopter operations in the heartlands, among the raft of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) this year.

Themed "Our Home, Above All", the year-long celebration kicks off with the Singapore Airshow next month, where members of public can view, for the first time, two F-16C fighter jets pull off special aerobatic manoeuvres with an F-15SG fighter aircraft.

Over the weekend after National Day (Aug 11 and 12), Singaporeans will get to witness an extensive aerial flypast at the Marina Barrage, featuring more than 20 RSAF assets — including unmanned aerial vehicles making their maiden appearance in a flypast — and aerial displays by fighter jets and Apache helicopters.

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At the airshow which will be held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, President Halimah Yacob will unveil an RSAF50-themed F-15SG aircraft, and make the first contribution to a commemorative mural made up of pictures. The mural will be put together and completed by members of public by the end of the year.

Visitors to the show, which is open to public on February 10 and 11, will get to experience a mock-up runway featuring landing aids, aircraft and weapon system simulators, and an aircraft arming demonstration.

RSAF will bring its celebrations to the heartlands from March to May, with demonstrations and static displays at Toa Payoh, Sembawang, Punggol, Bedok and Jurong East. Live helicopter demonstrations will be held at Sembawang on Mar 31 and Apr 1.

Capping the celebrations is a parade held on Sep 1 in conjunction with the RSAF's 50th anniversary. The parade will feature a march past and a flypast, as well as the debut public appearance of the multi-role tanker transport refuelling aircraft which is capable of lifting 111,000kg of fuel.

While the past 50 years has not been smooth-sailing, the RSAF has much to be proud of for how far it has come "from humble beginnings", said Chief of Staff (Air Staff) Brigadier-General Kelvin Khong.

The Singapore Air Defence Command was formed in September 1968 after Britain announced its decision to pull out all its forces from the region. It was formally inaugurated as an independent service in April 1975, and more advanced weapon systems were phased in over the years.

BG Khong noted that in order to hone the force's proficiency amid physical constraints in Singapore, the RSAF has stepped up participation in overseas exercises.

"It was a challenge that we turned to our advantage… As we spread our wings and train overseas… We (get to) learn from the best and spar with each other," said BG Khong, who also chairs the RSAF50 steering committee.

At a media conference on Wednesday (Jan 17), BG Khong paid tribute to the "resilient spirit" of the RSAF pioneers. "The younger generation of airmen and women continues with this legacy of the pioneering and innovative spirit to tackle emerging challenges so as to stay relevant and to bring the RSAF to greater heights for the SAF and for Singapore," he said.