Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How was hosted by Commander Participation Command (PC) Colonel Teo Soo Yeow at the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s PC this afternoon. Mr Heng was briefed on the role and capabilities of the RSAF's PC in strengthening air-land-sea integration and enhancing helicopter and Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) capabilities. He viewed a Search and Rescue (SAR) demonstration by the RSAF's RESCUE 10 team, participated in a familiarisation flight on board the H225M Medium Lift Helicopter, and had a hands-on experience on the RoBot System 70 training simulator. Mr Heng also spoke with RSAF personnel from PC, and thanked them for their professionalism and commitment to Singapore's defence.

PC works closely with the Singapore Army and Republic of Singapore Navy to deliver effective air power to shape ground and maritime operations. The Command is responsible for the training and development of the RSAF's helicopter fleet, providing GBAD for land operations, and ensuring integration between the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s Air, Land and Sea forces. PC maintains a high level of operational readiness at all times to support round-the-clock SAR responsibilities and air defence operations, as well as augment the SAF's Counter-Terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. Since PC's inauguration in 2008, the RSAF's helicopters and GBAD systems have also participated in large-scale integrated exercises such as Exercise Wallaby, and in homeland security exercises such as Exercise Highcrest.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Heng highlighted the importance of the RSAF's air power capabilities. He said, "Singapore is a small country, but precisely because we are small, it is absolutely critical that we have the means to protect ourselves against threats coming from the air. For this reason, we need an Air Force that is absolutely top class in all its capabilities, whether it is ground based against air threats or actually defence in terms of air assets, be it helicopters or fixed wings."

Mr Heng expressed confidence in how the RSAF strengthens integration across the three services and provides robust helicopter and GBAD capabilities. He said, "We work as a team and we fight as a team in an integrated manner. I think that really is the distinguishing feature and strength of our Participation Command. The assets over here are raised, trained, planned and deployed together in support of our land campaigns and sea
campaigns. This really brings out the synergy amongst our three Services to the maximum effect, and I think Singaporeans will be better assured because of our ability to protect our skies, to protect Singapore."

Mr Heng recognised the significance of PC's support for the SAF's operational needs. He said, "We want to make the best use of whatever we have, but at the same time, we always cast our eyes to the future, and are also very sensitive to the sort of threats that we have to face up to. With the passage of time, things have evolved. Not only do the assets themselves age, the threat scenarios have also evolved. Therefore, the sort of capabilities that we will need in order to attend to changed needs will also be different. Therefore, when we upgrade into different types of assets, upgrade our existing assets, or even lengthen the service lifespans we will always enhance the capabilities as well."