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Aircraft assemble: Preparing the RSAF’s static display at S’pore Airshow 2026

29 Jan 2026

Join us for a glimpse behind the scenes as the RSAF’s assets journey from airbase to airshow!

Aircraft assemble: Preparing the RSAF’s static display at S’pore Airshow 2026 — The RSAF’s F-16C (foreground) and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) (background) being towed along Aviation Park Road towards Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) for Singapore Airshow 2026.

Story by Tedd Jong

Photos by Chai Sian Liang, Lim Ian, Loh Yu Ze & Tedd Jong

What goes into setting up an airshow static display? With the level of coordination and number of moving parts involved, the term “static display” may seem like a misnomer.

From helicopters flying and landing in Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC) to fixed-wing assets “travelling” down roads through the night – we catch the action behind the scenes as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) gets ready for the Singapore Airshow 2026.

It’s nearly 8am on 26 Jan when the first RSAF assets descend on CEC. These include the CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter, H225M Medium-Lift Helicopter (pictured), Apache AH-64D Attack Helicopter, and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter.

The CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter making its arrival at CEC.

RSAF Air Force Engineers (AFEs) working on the Apache AH-64D attack helicopter after it has landed at CEC, to make sure it is in tip-top condition.

AFEs keeping a watchful eye on the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter as it prepares to land.

Preparing for the night operation: AFEs from 808 Squadron (SQN) marking out static display perimeters on the ground, which are essential for towing and positioning the assets later.

Military Expert (ME) 2 Celeste Cheong, 28, is excited about being a part of this year’s Singapore Airshow and sharing her knowledge of the F-16 plane with visitors. “I’ll be able to let the public know about the F-16’s capabilities and how it protects Singapore’s skies,” says the AFE from 808 SQN.

As night falls, the AFEs conduct a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) sweep along Aviation Park Road to clear the pathway for the towing convoy to pass through. Towing at night minimises disruption to the public since the road has to be closed off to facilitate the movement of the assets. [Photo: CPL Ke-ian J Leong, RSAF]

The F-15SG beginning its 8km towing journey from Changi Air Base (East), or CAB (E), towards CEC.

AFEs in CAB (E) securing the tow tractor’s tow bar to the front of the F-16C.

It’s 11.30pm and the convoy of F-15SG, F-16C, and A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft is traversing the runway from CAB (E) towards CEC. Vehicle operators maintain a safe distance between assets while moving together at approximately 5kmh – no mean feat given the dark conditions at night.

Road bends, construction work, and gentle slopes along Aviation Park Road present challenges for the towing crews. RSAF personnel act as “wing walkers” by walking alongside the aircraft at their edges to look out for potential obstacles and enhance the tow crew’s situational awareness at night.

ME1 Abishek Dalavai Dinesh, 26, an AFE from 807 SQN, acts as a brakeman during towing, to slow down or stop the F-15SG when necessary. The first-time participant was struck by the scale and complexity of the towing operation. “I never knew how comprehensive the preparation was, or how much planning goes into coordinating the entire towing convoy.”

An AFE giving the all-clear as the A330 MRTT navigates a narrow bend along Aviation Park Road. With the A330 MRTT’s 60.2m wingspan, there’s little room for error, and close coordination among the crew is key.

The last stretch of road before the convoy reaches CEC.

Marshallers at CEC guiding the convoy towards their designated static display spots.

ME1 Abishek checking the F-15SG after the towing is done. The AFE, who followed in his grandfather’s footsteps to join the Air Force, looks forward to interacting with members of the public at the airshow, especially those from other countries. “I would love to share my experience in the RSAF and to know their impressions of our air force.”

It’s 1am on 27 Jan and the RSAF assets have finally arrived at CEC’s static display area. Other assets such as the Surface-to-air Python-5 and DERby (SPYDER) and unmanned aerial vehicles like Hermes 900 and Orbiter 4 will also be on display at the airshow.

All in a night’s work: At 1.45am, towing operations are finally completed and the AFEs get together to mark the end of a long night. The Singapore Airshow 2026 will take place from 3 to 8 Feb.

Tags:

RSAF Singapore Airshow Changi Exhibition Centre F-16 F-15SG CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter H225M Medium-Lift Helicopter Apache AH-64D Attack Helicopter Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk