EX SINDEX STRENGTHENS S'PORE-INDIA TIES

For most visitors to Singapore, it is not unusual for them to remember our magnificent skyline, beautiful architecture and interesting places of interest.

Squadron Leader (Sqn Ldr) S Krishnan from the Indian Air Force (IAF) is no exception. He visited the beach at East Coast Park one weekend and felt that it was beautiful.

But what makes his visit this time round more significant is that Sqn Ldr Krishnan will not only be bringing home fond memories of the Lion City, but also the valuable experience and lessons he picked up from Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots.

The Mirage 2000 pilot is one of the many IAF personnel who were in Singapore to participate in a bilateral exercise codenamed SINDEX at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB).

The exercise started from 8 Dec and will end on 22 Dec.

The F-16 C/D Fighting Falcons and the F-5E Tiger fighter aircraft from the RSAF took part in SINDEX, while their Indian counterparts flew the Mirage and Jaguar aircraft.

This exercise is particularly special because it is conducted in Singapore for the first time, signifying the growing defence cooperation between the two countries. The previous three were conducted in India.

Sqn Ldr Krishnan told cyberpioneer: "This is an enriching experience and has good learning value for everyone."

"Pilots from the RSAF are professional and have good attitude...I can say that RSAF pilots are one of the most competent in the world."

RSAF Captain (CPT) Timothy Siah also held his Indian counterparts in high regard, saying: "Singapore has less experience in such flying operations but with the IAF's participation, we can all see and learn from their experienced pilots in action."

Participants from both air forces met up at PLAB on 20 Dec, when the two air exercise directors, the IAF's Group Captain (GP CAPT) Sandeep Chhabra and the RSAF's Colonel (COL) Lim Yeong Kiat, exchanged tokens of appreciation.

GP CPT Chhabra felt that the exercise was a "beautiful experience".

"Now the Indian Air Force team has seen a full base, how a base operates and how operations work, and this has given more interoperability."

Agreeing with him was COL Lim. He said: "Through this exercise, we've learnt a lot from each other. I think it has improved our interoperability and enhanced our mutual understanding for each other. I think it's a good way forward for defence relations."