The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has deployed four F-15SG fighter jets to Guam for a two-month training detachment with the US Navy, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Tuesday (Dec 21).
The deployment, which began on Dec 6, is part of the RSAF’s regular overseas training to enhance its operational readiness and interoperability with its counterparts, MINDEF said in a press release.
The RSAF detachment will conduct air-to-air and air-to-surface training with the US Navy’s Electronic Attack Squadron 132 (VAQ-132), which operates the EA-18G Growler, an electronic warfare aircraft that can jam enemy radars and communications.
The training will allow the RSAF and the US Navy to share best practices and enhance their capabilities in conducting integrated operations, MINDEF said.
The RSAF detachment commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tan Chee Wee, said that the training in Guam provides a “valuable opportunity” for the RSAF to operate with the US Navy and learn from their experience and expertise.
He added that the training also strengthens the “long-standing and close defence ties” between Singapore and the US, which are key partners in the region.
The US is one of Singapore’s oldest and most important defence partners, and both countries share a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
The two countries have a bilateral defence agreement that allows the RSAF to train at several bases in the US, such as Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, and Andersen Air Force Base in Guam.
The RSAF also participates in various bilateral and multilateral exercises with the US, such as Exercise Red Flag, Exercise Cope Tiger, and Exercise Pacific Griffin.
