THE RSAF'S NEXT FLIGHT

As the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) powers ahead in its 3rd Generation transformation, Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng outlines three key areas underpinning the RSAF's continued success.

Integrating new capabilities into the Air Force fighting system

"The acquisition of new aircraft is only one part of the RSAF's response to the challenges posed by today's ever-evolving security landscape.

For the Air Force to evolve into the 3rd Generation RSAF, we look to technology as an important force multiplier. For example, the Gulfstream 550 Airborne Early Warning (G550-AEW) aircraft, with its advanced surveillance capability and high airborne endurance, will enhance our networked air defence. In the longer term, the G550-AEW will also play a role in the development of Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control (IKC2*) capabilities for the RSAF and the SAF.

The F-15SGs are our most advanced fighters, being equipped with advanced technologies and state-of-the-art mission systems. Together with our F-16s and F-5s, they will provide the RSAF with a good mix of fighter aircraft which cost less to operate but are more effective.

Going forward, the RSAF will emphasise the integration of these advanced platforms into the RSAF fighting system to fully exploit their potential. When fully operational, these integrated capabilities will effectively network all our sensors and shooters, enabling the RSAF to see further, respond faster and deal more effectively with all aerial threats. It will also enhance the interoperability of the RSAF with other established air forces across the globe."

Developing our people

"While we acquire more capable aircraft and systems, we must remember that they will only be as effective as the people who operate and maintain them. For example, since taking delivery of the first F-15SG in May 2009, our people have undergone rigorous training to acquire the competencies needed to operate and maintain the F-15SGs.

The high level of operational proficiency they have acquired in a relatively short time is exemplified by the ground crew of the Peace Carvin V detachment based in the United States. They held their own against the more experienced US Air Force ground crews in Mountain Home Air Base by winning the base's quarterly weapons loading competition for two consecutive quarters, and even went on to win the annual weapons loading competition early this year. This is a significant achievement considering their short 11-month experience with the F-15SG platform.

The RSAF has a comprehensive people development framework that reviews the routes of advancement of our people and the training they require.

This effort ensures that all RSAF personnel, including those in the Military Domain Expert Scheme (MDES*), possess the desired competencies and values to operate effectively in the 3rd Generation Air Force. We believe that this framework, together with the other initiatives introduced by MINDEF and the SAF, will help us attract, nurture and retain talented people."

Sharpening our operational edge

"There are several operational advantages to be gained from participating in large-scale exercises, with both foreign forces and those within the SAF.

First, they sharpen the RSAF's operational capabilities through realistic training. Such exposure contributes to the operational confidence of our personnel and allows us to benchmark ourselves against some of the best air forces in the world.

Second, they also contribute to professional networking and interoperability between the RSAF and foreign air forces. By pooling our knowledge, sharing experiences and combining resources, we create many synergies that serve to strengthen mutual trust and confidence, arguably the key factors towards continued regional security.

In the past year, major operations and exercises with the other Services (Army and Navy) have demonstrated the 3rd Generation RSAF's enhanced capabilities. For example, in Exercise Forging Sabre 2009*, the doctrines for air-land integrated fires were validated, confirming the SAF's capability to have comprehensive battlefield awareness and conduct strikes on multiple targets through a network of sensors and shooters that include unmanned aerial vehicles, fighter aircraft and Apache attack helicopters."

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