DR NG OPENS RSAF OPEN HOUSE 2011

Despite the initially downcast skies, the skies literally cleared up as the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Open House 2011 was declared open by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at 9.30am on 28 May at Paya Lebar Air Base.

As eager crowds thronged the air base to seek out displays of the Air Force's latest aircraft and weapons systems, Dr Ng also had a look at the capabilities on display together with several Members of Parliament.

Said Dr Ng: "The RSAF, over a relatively short time, has developed into what other professional militaries consider to be a well-equipped, efficient and potent air force, capable of defending our skies and conducting a wide spectrum of operations."

After touring the open house, he further remarked that while technological advances were critical to the development of the RSAF, nurturing its people remains integral to ensuring its continued success. "We are regarded as a professional, capable force and we want to continue to be so," he said.

On the sidelines of the open house, Dr Ng noted that besides continuing to work with like-minded countries to build an architecture that ensures peace and stability in the region and developing a force that deters intruders, his ministry will focus on engaging Operationally Ready National Serviceman. He said: "Our army is made up of citizens, and we have to continue to make sure that we have the will and resolve to defend this place, to be operationally ready at all times. And I think for that we have to continuously engage each new generation that makes up the SAF."

Dr Ng said he has asked Minister of State for Defence and Education Lawrence Wong Shyun Tsai and Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman to look into this.

Elsewhere on the air base, Singaporeans and foreigners alike were out in force and armed to the teeth with cameras to catch the RSAF's hardware up close. The favourites include the F-15SG fighter aircraft, S-70B Naval Helicopter and Surface-to-Air Python-5 and Derby - Short Range (SPYDER - SR) which were on display for the first time.

Among the crowds were Mr Logan Logaraj and his family, who arrived bright and early at 9am to secure a good spot to watch the first aerial display. When cyberpioneer caught up with them after the display, the family of four had just gotten out of the cockpit of an F-15SG fighter aircraft.

"The aircraft is very advanced and we have enjoyed ourselves so far, especially at the aerial display. The aircraft got closer than we had expected and the kids loved that!" laughed Mr Logaraj, who was a Regular in the RSAF for seven years before he left in 1996.

The aerial display, showcased the F-15SG, F-16C/D, AH-64 Apache attack helicopter and the Chinook transport helicopter in a joint operation, where the fighter aircraft released simulated bombs to take out key enemy assets before soldiers were dispatched to secure the ground. Be warned: It's non-stop action that is close and loud!

Besides catching the aerial display which takes place twice daily at 11.00am and 4.30pm, visitors can get rides - on a lucky draw basis - on aircraft such as the RSAF's C-130 and Fokker-50 transport aircraft, the Chinook transport helicopter and the Singapore Youth Flying Club's new DA-40 trainer aircraft.

Other attractions include the F-15SG, the C-130 transport aircraft and Searcher Unmanned Aerial Vehicle simulators and arming demonstrations by the RSAF Weapon Load crews on the F-15SG, F-16D as well as the Apache helicopter.

The RSAF Open House will open tomorrow from 8.30am to 7pm. Admission is free and visitors are advised to take the free shuttle service from the Eunos and Hougang bus interchanges.

For more information, please visit the RSAF Open House website.