The setting up of an Air Staff Organisation in the Ministry of Interior and Defence marked the modest beginnings of Singapore’s own Air Force, just eight months after Britain’s decision to pull out its forces from the island. Starting with two Cessna 172Ks leased from the Singapore Flying Club, the SADC at Seletar Air Base had to fill the air defence role that Britain could no longer maintain. 

“When I first opened the hangar doors in 1968, I was greeted by two Cessna aircraft. If either one of the aircraft was down, it meant Singapore had only one aircraft to defend its skies.”

1WO (Ret) Freddie Koh, Air Force Engineer, 2013 who joined the SADC at 19 years old as one of the pioneer technicians and went on to serve for over 30 years.


“I was given a little cubicle in Pearl’s Hill where I was to work out what sort of people I needed and how many, and how I could obtain them. I had an officer called Henry Cheong, who was there to assist me, and one clerk. That was all. So that was where we started.”

COL (Ret) Charles Chew, Senior Air Staff Officer, 2008 on working in the early years of the SADC


“In May 1968, I was setting up the Air Staff, building it up in phases. At the same time, I was involved in the flying grading and recruitment programme for pilots. I also faced the problem of finding suitable people who could be sent for other air vocational courses."

COL (Ret) Charles Chew, Senior Air Staff Officer, 2008 on working in the early years of the SADC


“An Air Force or Navy did not constitute a force if there were not the people with the expertise.”

Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister, 1968

The first eight Alouette III helicopters arrived in Singapore on 30 September 1969 at Seletar Air Base. The arrival of the helicopters heralded the formation of the SADC’s pioneer operational unit, 120 Squadron, which was formed with four pilots and six helicopter technicians. It was tasked with transport, Casualty Evacuations, and Search and Rescue missions.

The Alouette Squadron's second Commander was MAJ Derrick Martin. On 31 March 1975, it was officially renamed 120 Squadron. Its role of rescue and relief was further expanded to cover search, reconnaissance, and Army support duties. 

In January 1969, the Air Technical Training School and the Electronic Technical Training School were set up at Seletar and Fort Canning. The objective was to train local SADC technicians to take over from the British soldiers in two years. 

“As for the Technical Training School at Seletar, we set it up with the help of Airworks, a private British company. We just said, ‘Okay, you raise it; you just bring all your instructors.’ And they did. They trained the ground crew.”

COL (Ret) Charles Chew, Senior Air Staff Officer, 2008 on working in the early years of the SADC

The training of specialist personnel to control air traffic and air defence missions was essential in the setting up of the SADC. The pioneer batches of Air Traffic and Air Defence Controllers were sent to Britain to be trained by the Royal Air Force (RAF). Seletar Tower had its first operational staff in March 1969.

“You are the eyes and ears of our Air Force. It’s a job that is done quietly and unobtrusively. All the rest of the defences of the island are useless without radar.”

George Bogaars, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior and Defence, 1968 on the importance of having ground-based radar operators in the fledgling SADC


“I think we are moving on the right lines. We need to put in more effort to improve ourselves, particularly the technical competence of local personnel. This means we should place high priority in supporting technical training in air traffic. The previous practice of sending large numbers of personnel overseas, even for courses of a few weeks, will cease and the training effort must be carried out here. This means hard work for everybody, but the end result will be that we shall be self-reliant in a crucial field.”

Dr Goh Keng Swee, Minister for Defence, 1967 on the importance of boosting the quality of training in Singapore


“When we took over Seletar Tower in early 1969, it was the first operational unit to be commanded by a Singaporean officer, LTA R. Ramakrishnan. We only had two aircraft radios to do air traffic control. It was literally starting from scratch. The challenge was to have sufficiently trained and qualified ATC officers and men to manage the three airfields, Tengah, Changi, and Sembawang, as well as the joint military-civil air traffic control centre, then located at Paya Lebar, by the time the RAF left. But we did it all, so that by the end of 1971, all ATC units on the island were functioning under SADC, albeit with the assistance of some seconded and contracted British officers.”

LTC (Ret) Prasad Kumar Menon, Airspace Consultant, Air Operations Department, 2008 who was one of the 37 pioneering officer cadets and later ran the first Air Traffic Control School at Tengah Air Base in 1969

The SADC took over Seletar Aerodrome, where Seletar Tower became the first operational control unit in 1971. Seletar Air Base was later handed over to the Department of Civil Aviation for general aviation development. 

“The challenge was to have sufficiently trained and qualified ATC officers and men to manage the three airfields at Tengah, Changi, and Sembawang, as well as the joint military-civil air traffic control centre, then located at Paya Lebar, by the time the Royal Air Force left. But we did it all, so that by the end of 1971, all ATC units on the island were functioning under the SADC, albeit with the assistance of some seconded and contracted British officers.”

LTC (Ret) Prasad Kumar Menon, Airspace Consultant, Air Operations Department, 2008 who was one of the SADC's first Air Traffic Controllers

The SADC’s first-ever aircraft purchase of eight Cessna 172Ks arrived in May 1969 at Seletar Air Base, which took over from the Singapore Flying Club in training the first intake of 37 local pilot recruits using the Cessna 172Ks. 

“When the SADC’s first aircraft arrived, it was a strange sight. Eight lorries, each carrying a wooden crate, slowly trudged down the road to hangar 505. Lying inside with its wings strapped along either side of the fuselage was a beautiful white aircraft. In the days ahead, local mechanics and their Australian instructors would lovingly assemble, service, and paint on the markings of the SADC’s first new aircraft.”

1WO (Ret) Mohd Haniffa, Air Force Technician, 1998 who was part of the first batch of technicians recruited under the Royal Air Force (Malaya) Scheme

From the onset, it was recognised that a flying school had to be quickly established to select, grade, and train suitable candidates to become full-fledged SADC pilots. The FTS was set up at Maju Camp in June 1968 before it moved to Seletar in August that year. Its first pilot recruitment drive received more than 500 applications; only 37 were selected to be pilot officer cadets. The Ground Training Squadron was also set up at the FTS to hold theory lessons and safety courses for aircrew.

To facilitate the training of new fighter pilots, the SADC purchased 16 British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) 167 Strikemasters. With their arrival at Tengah Air Base, 130 Squadron was formed and enabled the Flying Training School to train fully qualified pilots for the SADC.

In March 1969, the technical schools from the Army and the Navy were merged with the Air Technical Training School and the Electronic Technical Training School to form the SAF School of Technical Training in Seletar West Camp. The first locally trained technicians graduated later that year and were able to service, repair, and maintain the SADC’s aircraft. 

“Many of our officers and instructors were National Servicemen who came and went. The training school could not build up a crop of regular officers and instructors so that the experience and skills gained could be retained.”

LTC Foo Kok Swee, Director, SAF School of Technical Training, 1975  on the challenges of retaining in the SADC's early days 

“The important thing is to get the flag over the stadium at the right time. Another critical moment is when we take off with the flag. A lot of care has to be taken to ensure that the flag opens up and flies correctly. There’s also a sense of pride in having the privilege to fly what must be the country’s largest flag.”

MAJ Leong Eng Keng, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1989 on the challenges of performing the flag flypast

The 35mm Oerlikon guns were the first anti-aircraft guns acquired by the SADC as part of its Ground Based Air Defence systems. The 24 guns were housed at Seletar Air Base and assigned to 160 Battalion Singapore Artillery, which was later renamed 160 SADA in 1979 and is now known as 160 Squadron.

In 1970, Singapore witnessed its first state flag flypast by an Alouette III helicopter. Originally measuring approximately three metres by two metres, the flag was later increased in size to 28 metres by 19 metres and was flown by the Super Puma in 1989. The flag took 20 riggers and three weeks to machine-stitch, and earned its place in The Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest flag in the world to be underslung.

The state flag was carried by the lead aircraft, which was piloted by MAJ Terry Loh, Commanding Officer of the Alouette Squadron.

“The important thing is to get the flag over the stadium at the right time. Another critical moment is when we take off with the flag. A lot of care has to be taken to ensure that the flag opens up and flies correctly. There’s also a sense of pride in having the privilege to fly what must be the country’s largest flag.”

MAJ Leong Eng Keng, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1989 on the challenges of performing the flag flypast

On 8 September 1970, the SADC received its first fighter aircraft, the British-made Hawker Hunter. With 23 refurbished planes, it formed the SADC’s first fighter squadron, 140 Squadron, which operated out of Tengah Air Base and had a mix of homegrown and foreign-trained fighter pilots. Two years later, 141 Squadron was formed with another batch of 20 Hawker Hunters.

Five Alouette III helicopters were deployed to assist in the Kuantan flood relief operation in Malaysia. This marked the SADC’s first operational deployment. 

“I captained one of the four aircraft deployed for the mission after we were given orders the previous afternoon. We did not really know what to expect in that operation, only that we were supposed to provide aid by distributing supplies and evacuating people who were stranded...Now when I look back, I am proud to know that the SADC was ready and able, in spite of its fledgling status.”

LTC (Ret) Leo Tin Boon, Pioneer Alouette Helicopter Pilot, 120 Squadron, 2009 who participated in the first overseas operation in Kuantan 

The SADC acquired, restored, and modified 32 former US Navy A-4B Skyhawks in 1971. These front-line defenders and ground-attack bombers were inaugurated into 142 Squadron at Changi Air Base in February 1974, and later into 143 and 145 Squadrons.

The SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 was introduced to replace the ageing Cessna 172K. This led to the establishment of the Flying Training School’s Standards Squadron, which shared the same aircraft that were used in training pilot instructors. The first two SF-260s arrived in Singapore on 6 September 1971 and took their maiden flight at Sembawang Air Base.

On 15 September 1971, the SADC took over full operational control of Tengah Air Base, which used to be Britain’s biggest jet strike station in Asia. By the end of 1971, Sembawang and Changi Air Bases were also handed over to the SADC, marking the complete withdrawal of British forces from Singapore and the beginnings of Singapore’s very own Air Force. 

“Singapore has a good chance of continuing to be a successful nation if the next generation understands the ingredients of success. First, a stable political situation, then the competence of our defence forces to ensure that no one believes he can just walk in and take over what we have created and built.”

Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister, 1971

Built in 1939, the Royal Air Force Tengah was renamed Tengah Air Base (TAB) in 1971. TAB is home to the RSAF's Airborne Early Warning and Control assets, most of the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons, and a large number of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) was originally built in 1954 to replace Kallang Airport as Singapore International Airport. It was gradually converted into a military base from late 1967 and took its current name when civilian airport operations moved to Changi Airport in 1981. PLAB now houses aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and the F-15SG.

Sembawang Air Base (SBAB) was formerly known as Royal Air Force (RAF) Sembawang. It was both an RAF station and a Royal Naval Air Station prior to Singapore’s independence. The base was renamed SBAB in 1971 when it was handed over to the SADC. SBAB became a full-fledged rotary-wing base in 1983 and houses all of the RSAF’s helicopter squadrons.

Changi Air Base (CAB) was first built as a British artillery camp in 1940. It was renamed CAB (West) on 29 November 2004 and is located on the immediate west of Changi Airport. It shares the civilian airport's runway with military aircraft that are based there. This includes the Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft and the KC-135R jet tankers.

The Air Defence Systems Division (ADSD) was formed in June 1995 and played a critical role in managing Singapore's airspace. It also provided a comprehensive air defence shield with various Ground Based Air Defence weapon systems, long-range sensors, Airborne Early Warning aircraft, and air defence fighter aircraft. The ADSD had a headquarters and three brigades: the Air Defence Brigade, Air Force Systems Brigade, and Divisional Air Defence Artillery Brigade.

The Flying Training School (FTS) was inaugurated at Royal Air Force Tengah on 1 August 1969 by Singapore’s second Minister for the Interior and Defence Lim Kim San. The inauguration of the FTS brought the SADC closer to its goal of becoming a credible Air Force. The FTS began training fighter pilots with the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) Strikemaster and saw its first batch of local pilot trainees graduate in November 1970. 

Tactical Air Support Command (TASC) was inaugurated in 1990 and had its origins in the Tactical Support Wing. With the increase in complexity, scale, and scope of tactical air support over the decades, the SAF saw the need to integrate all three Services during strike missions. Tasks such as air reconnaissance, transportation, support, intelligence gathering, and troop lifting were later included in joint operations.

The FPDA was set up to enable Singapore and Malaysia to retain security cooperation with Australia, New Zealand, and the UK through the Integrated Air Defence System.

The Integrated Air Defence System was established within the framework of FPDA, with its headquarters at Butterworth, Penang, to provide for the air defence of both countries. 

During the build-up of Singapore’s air defence, 60 refurbished Bloodhound MK II surface-to-air missiles were acquired from the Royal Air Force and were inaugurated into 170 Battalion Singapore Artillery at Seletar Air Base. In 1979, it was renamed 170 Singapore Air Defence Artillery (SADA) and, later, 170 Squadron.

“‘Lock on! Fire!’ came the voice over the line and my sweaty right thumb, which was trained over a thousand times via simulator, hit the button. The silence was deafening and the roar, when it came, was something unheard of. The countdown began and before we knew it, the missile had intercepted the target.”

MAJ Martin Baptist, Ground Based Air Defence Officer, 1980 who was one of the 10 RSAF personnel sent to Abeporth, Wales, to fire the Bloodhound missile


“I can still remember that the place was strewn with bits and pieces of hardware when the system was dismantled for refurbishing and recommissioning. It was a great sight to see the Bloodhound system eventually assembled, with the launcher pads all fully loaded with missiles.”

LTC April Wee, Commanding Officer, 170 Squadron, 1981 who recalled her experience with the newly commissioned Bloodhound

The SADC acquired six Skyvans, which were operated by 121 Squadron at Changi Air Base. They performed troop lifts as well as Search and Locate missions. The Skyvan could carry a team of six for maritime air surveillance missions, including a pilot, a co-pilot, a navigator, a loadmaster, a Navy action information coordinator, and a Navy radar operator. In later years, the Skyvans were assigned to maritime air surveillance missions in the seas surrounding Singapore.

After the SAF School of Technical Training was disbanded in May 1972, the SADC took over control of the Air Technical Training School and the Electronic Technical Training School to train its own technicians. On 10 November 1972, the Air Engineering Training Institute (AETI) was inaugurated as the new centralised training school for all SADC technical personnel and was located at Changi Air Base. 

The Singapore Weapons Training Unit was established at Royal Air Force (RAF) Chivenor in Britain in November 1972. Five British-made Hawker Hunters were used as the unit's first fighter aircraft for training.

In 1973, two years before the SADC was renamed the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), a public competition was held for a new design for the SADC's emblem. The winning entry, a yin-yang symbol within a stylised "S", was adopted to reflect the SADC's coming of age.

The SADC’s aerobatics display team, the Black Knights, made its first public appearance before 30,000 spectators on 7 June 1974. CPT Michael Teo was part of the team, which was led by LTA Jimmy Lim and included CPT Timothy De Souza, LTA Frank Singam, and LTA Harry Lim. Initially known as the Osprey Reds, they were formed in March 1973 and grew into an all-Singaporean aerobatic team.

The Ground Training Squadron moved from Tengah Air Base to Changi Air Base in 1975. It was later renamed the Aviation Flight Standards Squadron.

The year 1975 was a watershed for the SADC, which was renamed the RSAF to mark the growth of the Air Force as a separate service in the SAF. The inception of the RSAF reflected the increasing role of air power in Singapore’s national security and its move from a Command towards an operationally ready Air Force. 

The Air Force Vehicle Operator (AVO) vocation was introduced in 1975. Initially a small group of 15 heavy vehicle drivers supported the maintenance of aircraft and the salvaging of damaged aircraft.

The RSAF improved its early warning and surveillance capabilities by acquiring the AN/TPS-43 in 1975. This radar system was purchased for the Mobile Air Defence Centre and gave the RSAF a three-dimensional surveillance image for the first time.

“We were with a group of guys who shared my ideas and vision – they formed the design and manufacturing team. We practically transformed and shrank the whole radar office into two miniaturised and transistorised cabinets by redesigning the racks with solid state amplifiers, printed circuit boards, and so on. Everything was done in-house. It feels good to know that some of these equipment are still working fine after almost twenty years.”

CPT (Ret) Wesley D’Aranjo, Senior Engineering Officer, 1979 who was one of the pioneer radar operators

Despite numerous efforts to expand the runway and terminal building, Paya Lebar Airport was operating at its limit by 1970. A decision was made in 1975 to construct a new international airport at Changi to handle the rapid growth of Singapore’s civil aviation. Due to major construction and reclamation works for the new airport, several aircraft squadrons housed at Changi Air Base (CAB) were relocated to other RSAF Air Bases in August 1975.

The Standards Squadron was formed in 26 January 1976 and was initially staffed entirely by personnel on loan from the Royal Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force. It aimed to create a self-sufficient training system by starting a local course for training flying instructors. The first batch of locally trained Qualified Flying Instructors graduated in June 1976.

In 1976, the RSAF conducted its maiden helicopter pilot training course and produced its first home-grown rotary wing pilots, LTA Lim How Lee and LTA Kho Kim Tat.

To meet the growing needs of the SAF, the RSAF acquired the Lockheed C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. Besides performing aerial resupply of ground troops and equipment, the plane can also carry out air-to-air refuelling of fighter aircraft such as the F-5E Tiger IIs. The C-130s are reputed for being workhorses and were inaugurated into 122 Squadron at Seletar Air Base in April 1980.

The RSAF’s sole helicopter unit, 120 Squadron, expanded with the acquisition of three Bell 212 and 17 UH-1H Iroquois helicopters. This allowed the retirement of the ageing Alouette IIIs, which had been in service since the 1960s. The UH-1H helicopters can be employed in heliborne operations, airlifting troops, and underslung resupply missions. They were originally stationed at Changi Air Base and were relocated to Sembawang Air Base in 1983.

The Skyhawk Conversion Unit was formed on 18 April 1977 to train the existing Hawker Hunter pilots to fly the new fleet of Skyhawks, which was integrated into 141 Squadron.

When the Air Traffic Control (ATC) school shifted to Seletar East Camp in 1977, the existing Basic Air Traffic Control Officer course was upgraded to become a fully fledged Military Air Traffic Control course. It included training with the Solartron digital ATC simulation system.

Exercise Arctic Ruler was launched on 16 September 1977 in Australia and marked the RSAF’s first short-term overseas training detachment. It was also the RSAF’s first Australian detachment for its fighter aircraft, which were deployed by 142 Squadron.

The RSAF deployed its first detachment to the jungles of Temburong in Brunei. Three UH-1Hs were deployed to support the SAF’s jungle training there. 

In 1979, the School of Air Defence was formed to locally train and develop Air Defence Controllers and Operators. It was renamed the Air Defence Training School in 1980 and later called the Air Operations Training School.

The RSAF entered the realm of supersonic flight with the arrival of the Northrop F-5E Tiger IIs. They could break sound barriers and had an airborne radar that increased the range of threat detection. First operated by 144 Squadron at Tengah Air Base, the F-5s were also operated by 141 and 149 Squadrons.

“It was indeed an honour for me to be among the pioneer F-5 pilots for the RSAF. We had the privilege of bringing in a new way of thinking and executing air defence and air combat operations.”

COL (Ret) Frank Singam, Pilot, 2014 who was also one of the first members of the RSAF Black Knights

Just as the RSAF was rapidly shaping up its operational units and purchasing more aircraft, training also had to be stepped up to train more qualified pilots. In order to expand the basic flying training capacities, six T-33 Shooting Stars were acquired in 1979 to supplement the Strikemasters as basic flying trainers.

All existing Air Defence Artillery (ADA) units were unified in 1979 to form SADA at Tanglin Camp, an integral component of Singapore’s air defence. It provided a multi-layered air defence to ensure that no hostile aircraft entered Singapore’s airspace.

In the following years, the fledging formation would go on to establish ADA doctrines, conduct tactical training, and implement several new ADA weapon systems.

“It is indeed a joy seeing our retired Officers, NSmen, and active forces coming together to commemorate the rich heritage and celebrate the many years of achievements by the squadron. The dedication and commitment of the people in the squadron are the twin engines that drive the squadron to excellence and form the strength of this formidable squadron.”

COL (Ret) Tan Jer Meng, First Commander of SADA, 1989 at the tenth anniversary Dinner and Dance.

The RSAF's 124 Squadron, which was previously named 123 Squadron, was formed in 1979 to train rotary wing pilots. The locally conducted Rotary Wing Course trained pilots in the rudiments of rotary flying and advanced manoeuvres.

The truck-mounted Basic Giraffe radar was acquired to provide low-level surveillance to complement the RBS 70 missile system, which had no radar capabilities. In October 1979, 12 SADA officers and two specialists attended courses on the Basic Giraffe and RBS 70 in Karlskoga, Sweden.

Male dominance came to an end when women enlisted and trained to become pilots, Air Traffic Controllers, and Air Defence Controllers.

MAJ (Ret) Agnes Fong Sock Har was one of the first female officers in the SAF. She also became the SAF's first female Commanding Officer when she took command of the first Air Supply Base in 1979. 

“I’ll try hard to respond to the challenge. After all, I’ve more than my own future prospects to lose. This is the first time they’re putting a woman to such a major test.”

MAJ (Ret) Agnes Fong Sock Har, Commanding Officer, Air Supply Base, 1979 on being the SAF's first female Commanding Officer

The laser-guided RBS 70 missile system was purchased from British Aerospace in 1983 to primarily provide Army divisions with air defence cover against low-flying aircraft. This short-range, surface-to-air missile system had an effective range of 5km and could either be mounted on the V200 Armoured Fighting Vehicle or dismounted and man-packed for operations. Along with the Basic Giraffe radar, it was operated by 3, 6, and 9 Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalions.

Operationalised in October 1980, the JATCC was a joint effort between the RSAF and the Department of Civil Aviation to streamline air traffic operations. The new JATCC, which was located at Changi Airport, featured computerised systems that simplified tasks and eased manpower constraints.

“The mental demands of the job are heavier than the physical. Satisfaction is when you come off the seat after helping an emergency aircraft land, or directing Search and Rescue aircraft by the shortest route to the scene of an accident. It’s knowing that it’s not just millions of dollars of equipment but also human lives that you saved.”

CPT Kwek Chee Kian, Officer in Charge, JATCC Radar Operation, 1980 on being an Air Traffic Controller in the JATCC

Inaugurated in 1980, Exercise Elang Indopura is an annual bilateral exercise between the RSAF and the Indonesian Air Force. The exercise allows both Air Forces to interact at a professional level through the exchange of fighter tactical knowledge, and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. The RSAF regularly conducts such exercises to enhance interoperability and defence relations with the Indonesian Air Force.

SOADA was established on 1 June 1980, and was initially located at Tanglin Camp before it was moved to Seletar East Camp. The school trained Air Defence Artillery (ADA) officers and specialists on Ground Based Air Defence system deployments and operations.

In October 1980, 122 Squadron became the first RSAF squadron to circumnavigate the globe while ferrying back a Bloodhound missile that had completed its first live firing in Britain a month ago.

“The flight back home was delayed for more than a month. It was an agonising wait and eventually we had to fly home the long way round the earth before reaching Singapore.”

SSG Ong Teck, Technician, 1980 who was part of the missile team armament of the live firing crew

The Long Range Radar and Display System (LORADS) was acquired to replace the ageing Decca Air Surveillance Radar used by Paya Lebar Airport. Located at Changi, LORADS became the primary aid in controlling both civil and military aircraft movement within Singapore's airspace. With its introduction, the Joint Air Traffic Control Centre was shifted from Paya Lebar to Biggin Hill in Changi, and was renamed 203 Squadron in May 1984.

LTC Michael Teo became the RSAF's first local Deputy Commander. As the top appointment was not filled at the time, the Deputy Commander represented the RSAF's interests at the Ministry of Defence until the Air Force's own leadership gained sufficient credence to take over completely. COL Michael Teo was appointed Commander of the RSAF in November 1985.  

The ITT RS-320 three-dimensional radar system was the second mobile radar asset to be acquired by the RSAF as one of its main air defence radars. Operated by 201 Squadron, it has a maximum detection range of 160 nautical miles. 

The RSAF revamped its organisation to become more agile in switching from peacetime training to wartime operations.

At the RSAF headquarters, the Air Intelligence Branch was expanded into the Air Intelligence Department while the Air Manpower Department, the Air Operations Department, and the Air Plans Department were restructured to oversee all aspects of Air Force manpower, operations, and training requirements.

By 1981, the Air Force Inspectorate was formed to be responsible for safety evaluation and accident prevention. This reflected the growing emphasis on operational safety, even as the RSAF pushed ahead towards being operationally ready.

The RSAF held its first officer graduation parade at Paya Lebar Air Base on 11 December 1981. This was later known as the RSAF Combined Graduation Ceremony, which sees the passing out of Air Force officers from various vocations. The RSAF officers were subsequently commissioned in a tri-Service commissioning parade at SAFTI Military Institute.

The need for dedicated Air Force logistics officers – to tackle the growing complexities of supply and administrative tasks pertaining to Air Force operations – saw the introduction of the Air Force Executive Officer (AXO) scheme. It was set up to cover supply and administrative functions, and to train officers in specialised areas related to Air Force operations.

The first Exercise Red Flag was held at Nellis Air Force Base in the United States. It was a high-end air combat exercise with the US Air Force and involved the RSAF’s F-5s from 144 Squadron and C-130s from 122 Squadron.

The Improved-Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) surface-to-air missile system, operated by 163 SADA, is the first level of protection in Singapore’s multi-layered air defence shield and provides high-to-medium air defence. Acquiring the I-HAWK aided the development of the RSAF’s Ground Based Air Defence capabilities.

“It’s a rare opportunity to press the button and launch a live missile, a climax of preparations. The engagement was very powerful although it was about 40km in the sky. You could feel the ground shake!”

LTA Roland Wee, Flight Commander, 1984 who was one of 12 RSAF personnel who had spent three weeks in Sweden preparing for the live firing

To cope with the increased intake of helicopter pilot trainees, the RSAF procured a new fleet of AS-350B Écureuil helicopters in September 1982. These aircraft were used for basic training, while the UH-1B became the advanced trainer. The AS-350B was introduced to 123 Squadron for dedicated helicopter pilot training

The Aeromedical Centre was inaugurated in October 1982 at Paya Lebar Air Base. It was conceived by MAJ (Dr) Lim Meng Kin, who saw the need for a centre of excellence that could develop deeper expertise in specialised clinical aviation medicine, aeromedical training for aircrew, and research on aircrew safety and performance. Located at the former Paya Lebar Airport's old departure hall, it was fully equipped with laboratory facilities.

The RSAF responded swiftly to an urgent crisis when the tall mast of the Eniwetok, an oil rig, snapped the cable between Singapore and Sentosa. Two Bell 212 helicopters from the RSAF’s 120 Squadron helped save the 13 people who were trapped in the cable cars.

“It was very difficult to maintain a fixed position above the cars... It was a real test of coordination and teamwork. We pilots didn’t really do much. The winchmen deserve the greatest credit. Theirs were the most difficult and dangerous tasks.”

LTA Kao Yit Chee, Pilot, 120 Squadron, 1983 who helmed the Bell 212 deployed for the rescue mission

“The first cable car’s door was jammed and I had a lot of difficulty opening it. To make things worse, I was swinging around a lot due to the strong winds and the helicopter’s downwash… It was an experience I will never forget.”

2WO Ramasamy Veerappa, Winchman, 120 Squadron, 1983 who was on board the Bell 212 for the mission

One of the key defining milestones that raised the RSAF’s operational capabilities was the acquisition of the advanced F-16 A/B Fighting Falcons. Unlike the earlier aircraft, which had specific roles, the new jets allowed the RSAF to do more missions with a single aircraft type. They were assigned to 140 Squadron at Tengah Air Base and gradually replaced the ageing Hawker Hunters.

‘’It is now time for a new generation of jet fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcons, to lead the RSAF into the 1990s, and into the 21st  century.’’

BG (Ret) Lee Hsien Loong, Minister for Trade and Industry and Second Minister for Defence, 1990

On 1 July 1983, Air Force System Command (AFSC) was formed, merging the formally distinct worlds of Air Traffic and Air Defence Controllers. This union led to the formation of the System Command Training School (SCTS), which was established at Paya Lebar Air Base. This enhanced training opportunities and gave Air Traffic Controllers greater exposure.

August 1983, 140 Squadron took part in the first Exercise Air Thai-Sing with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) in Korat, Thailand.

“The RSAF is indeed fortunate to have the support of the Royal Thai Air Force. This support has enabled RSAF  personnel and aircraft to train in Thailand since 1978. We have gained tremendously from our interactions with the RTAF…this convergence of interests…will pave the way for increased interactions and cooperation between the RTAF and RSAF.”

COL Gary Yeo, RSAF Deputy Commander, 1983 on the friendship that Singapore has nurtured with Thailand through its defence relations

Backing up the I-HAWK was the British Aerospace Rapier, a short-range, surface-to-air system that could react quickly and was highly mobile. The Rapier was equipped with a Mach 2 missile that could be guided optically or via a radar tracker, and could take out low-level intruders within a range of 7.2km. With the acquisition of the Rapier, 165 SADA (now 165 Squadron) was formed and the Rapier achieved full operational capability in March 1986.

Exercise Cope Thunder was conducted at Clarke Air Base in the Philippines, in which 144 Squadron participated for the first time in 1984. Organised by the US Air Force to give aircrew their first taste of warfare, it was a highly realistic air combat training exercise.

The training of Defence Engineering and Scientific Officers and Air Engineering Officers (AEO) was merged at AETI in 1983. By 1984, synergies in logistics and technical training were reaped in the first combined course for Air Maintenance Officers (AMO) and AEOs.

The SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer was acquired to meet the RSAF’s growing demands for advanced jet training. On 30 November 1984, the RSAF received its first S-211 jet trainer from Italy. This began the gradual phasing out of 130 Squadron’s ageing Strikemaster and T-33 fleets.