EX COPE TIGER DEVELOPS TIES

Major Ho Kum Luen was fresh out of flight school when he took part in Exercise Cope Tiger for the first time in 2006.

Taking part again in the exercise after two years of experience, he values the high-end training that such multilateral exercises provide.

"In Singapore, as we have airspace and assets constraints, we deploy in small packages so you don't get to see the whole air picture," said the 143 Squadron pilot.

"By participating in such exercises, I'm able to appreciate how a real war is fought. Working with other countries also enhances our interoperability."

This year marks the 14th edition of this annual exercise, which involves the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the United States Air Force (USAF) and the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF).

From 27 Jan to 5 Feb, about 96 aircraft and over 1,000 personnel were deployed in Korat, Thailand, for the flying training phase of Ex Cope Tiger.

The first phase, a command post exercise, was conducted last December at Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore.

Ex Cope Tiger, said the RSAF's exercise director Colonel (COL) Anil Sankar, serves as a benchmark for the RSAF pilots, logisticians and air defence units.

"The larger community plays a very big part in welcoming us and providing us with the opportunity to exercise here," he added.

"It is critical that we engage the community, so they know we come as friends and that we come with goodwill from our country."

To this end, the three air forces organised a joint socio-civic programme at two schools from 29 to 31 Jan, providing basic healthcare and dental services to the villagers.

The RSAF pitched in with two doctors, a dentist as well as seven medical and dental assistants. It also donated a photocopier and more than a dozen computers.

"We call this a labour of love; it's really a gift from us to the Thai community," said COL James Horton, the USAF's exercise director.