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RSAF returns with dazzling aerial display at S’pore Airshow 2026

31 Jan 2026

Visitors to this year’s Singapore Airshow can look forward to 17 thrilling manoeuvres performed by the RSAF’s F-16C fighter jet and AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, and a static display of 10 different assets.

RSAF returns with dazzling aerial display at S’pore Airshow 2026 — The Split Fangs manoeuvre requires precise coordination between the F-16C (right) and the AH-64D Apache attack helicopter, which will be flying together in close proximity.

Story by Tedd Jong

Photos by Chua Soon Lye, Lim Ian & Tedd Jong

Razor Swipe. Split Fang. Falcon Turn. Mention these names and wrestling moves may first come to mind.

They are actually a few of the manoeuvres performed as part of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s integrated aerial display at Singapore Airshow 2026.

Held from 3 to 8 Feb at the Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC), this year’s airshow marks the 10th edition since its inception in 2008.

The RSAF’s aerial display will feature its F-16C fighter aircraft and AH-64D Apache attack helicopter in a series of coordinated and solo manoeuvres – 17 in total, including three new moves.

The F-16C lights up the sky with flares galore in the Eclipse manoeuvre. During the aerial display, the fighter jet will perform high-energy manoeuvres such as steep vertical climbs, tight turns and fast passes, demonstrating its responsiveness and combat agility.

In contrast, the Apache attack helicopter will fly at lower altitudes, executing controlled turns and hover manoeuvres that highlight its agility and adaptability. It is pictured here performing the Bunt manoeuvre.

Showcasing the two aircraft’s prowess

The aerial display teams began rigorous training for the manoeuvres about two months ago, conducting four to six training flights per week – all while carrying out operational duties in their squadrons at the same time.

Aerial Display Team Lead MAJ Tan Wei Yang, an F-16C pilot from 140 Squadron, noted that the F-16C and AH-64D pairing is an unusual one as the two are very different types of aircraft.

But through multiple rehearsals, the teams were able to build trust to fly beside one another at a close yet safe margin.

For the 34-year-old pilot, the most challenging manoeuvre is the Split Fangs.

“We (fighter pilots) prefer to fly high and fast. (In this move, we’re put in) an unfamiliar environment where we have to adapt to flying low and slow in formation with the Apache helicopter.”

MAJ Tan admits that the F-16C and AH-64D aerial display teams were initially “a little sceptical of flying beside each other, because we are two vastly different platforms”. But after months of training, he is confident they will put up a spectacular show for all.

The fighter jet and helicopter will be so close to each other, their pilots are able to see each other’s name tag on their helmets, said Captain (CPT) Yew Chee Hao, who leads the aerial display helicopter team.

The 30-year-old AH-64D pilot from 120 SQN added: “This move (Split Fangs) really pushes our skills to the limits… (but) it fills us with a lot of pride when we perform it well, because we know that the crowd is going to enjoy it, and the wows and cheers (from them) is what pushes us on.”

CPT Yew (right) credits his wife, Ms Chia Li Jane, as his emotional pillar of support during the lead-up to the airshow. “My loved ones are a motivating factor for me to give my 100 percent focus…and to put up a good show for them and other Singaporeans.”

More than 400 RSAF personnel are taking part in this year’s Airshow. Among is ME3 Ganisen s/o Subramaniam, a veteran of 20 airshows in Singapore and overseas.

The 52-year-old Air Operations and Systems Expert (AOSX) from 206 SQN, who has performed as a commentator at the Singapore Airshow eight times since 2012, enjoys mentoring new personnel to take on this role.

It is no easy task, as they have to simplify explanations of the aerial manoeuvres so people of all ages can understand, while ensuring technical accuracy and keeping in time with the performance.

“(Our RSAF aerial display team) is not a full-time aerobatics teams, (so I’m very proud that) we are able to put up a grand display in a very short period of time (training).”

The F-16C and AH-64D releasing flares together as they perform the Eclipse manoeuvre, one of three new moves in the RSAF’s aerial display.

ME3 Ganisen (left) with ME1 Lachme Arceno Thanesh, 33, an AOSX from 205 SQN, who is a new member of the RSAF commentator team. The latter joked that her husband is “very sick and tired of hearing my ‘commentator voice’ because as a commentator you have to practise whenever you have time!”

(From left) COL Max Ng Han Lin, 46, Chairman of the RSAF Flying Display Committee, and SLTC Yeong Kah Wai, 45, Chairman of the RSAF Sub-Committee, are proud to see months of hard work finally coming together at the Airshow, and hope that visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of the RSAF’s capabilities.

3rd Sergeant Ho Chee Kian, a 21-year-old Air Force Technician from 806 SQN, is grateful for the rare opportunity to be a part of the AH-64D launch and recovery team. “It’s been a very enriching experience (preparing for the Airshow)… and I hope the public gets to know the effort we put in these last two months.”

Get up close with RSAF assets at the Static Display

Beyond aerial performances, the RSAF will be showcasing 10 different types of assets – ranging from its largest plane, the A330 Multi-Role Transport Tanker (MRTT), to its latest unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the Hermes 900 and Orbiter 4 – at the static display area.

Visitors can also interact with servicemen and women to gain insight about each platform and their experiences in the air force.

The RSAF’s static display lineup includes the F-15SG and F-16C fighter jets; AH-64D, H225M medium lift, CH-47F heavy lift and S-70B Seahawk helicopters; A330 MRTT, Orbiter 4 and Hermes 900 UAVs, as well as the SPYDER air defence system.

ME2 Celeste Cheong, 28, an Air Force Engineer from 808 SQN, looks forward to sharing insights about the F-16C with visitors – especially her parents who will be seeing the fighter jet for the first time in person – to the static display.

For ME1 Abishek Dalavai Dinesh, 26, an Air Force Engineer from 807 SQN, it is a full circle moment going from a “kid on my father’s shoulder watching the jets fly” 20 years ago in Singapore Airshow 2006 to now “wearing this blue uniform and representing the country” in this year’s static display team.

Moving all these platforms from their different home bases to the Changi Exhibition was no mean feat.

Several of the aircraft had to be towed from Changi Air Base (East) to the exhibition grounds in an overnight operation that lasted till the wee hours of the morning.

Check out what went on behind the scenes to prepare for the static display!

Tags:

RSAF Singapore Airshow Changi Exhibition Centre F-16 Apache AH-64D Attack Helicopter

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