The RSAF acquired the AS-332 Super Puma helicopters to meet operational demands. These helicopters became the mainstay of air support for Army operations in terms of troop lift and resupply as well as Search and Rescue. They form 125 and 126 Squadrons, and are located at Sembawang Air Base.

"Considering the distance and the nature of the incident, and that the rescue was to be done at night, we decided the Super Puma was better equipped to do the job.”

MAJ Chia Sin Kwong, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1986 who deployed a Super Puma to evacuate a doctor suffering from brain haemorrhage in Pulau Tioman

In the aftermath of the Hotel New World collapse, 120 Squadron responded with one Bell 212 and two UH-1H helicopters to render round-the-clock casualty evacuation for six days. The UH-1Hs were on standby at Farrer Park to airlift casualties to Singapore General Hospital (SGH), and helped save the lives of 17 victims rescued from the rubble.

“It was a very short and sharp affair. The casualties arrived and were brought in almost immediately after start-up. We took off with six on board and, in less than five minutes, were touching down at the SGH helipad.”

 CPT Simon Tan, Pilot, 1986  who was one of the UH-1H pilots who airlifted casualties to SGH
 

As part of the RSAF’s initiative to raise its operational readiness, aircraft were launched and recovered from a public road for the first time on 16 April 1986. Exercise Torrent saw A-4s and F-5s taking off from the 2.5km-long Lim Chu Kang Road, which had been converted into a military airstrip. In the exercise, airmen familiarised themselves with operating on an emergency runway in day and night conditions.

The RSAF conducted air-to-air refuelling for the first time when two KC-130Bs refuelled eight Skyhawks that were en route to Clark Air Base in the Philippines. Operated by 122 Squadron, the KC-130Bs were modified from the C-130Bs by Singapore Technologies Aerospace.

To enlarge the pool of RSAF pilot recruitment, the Aeromedical Centre began accepting trainee pilots with mild myopia from December 1986.

The four E-2C Hawkeyes acquired from the United States in the mid-1980s provided continuous air surveillance and early warning of air threats. Together with engineers from the Singapore defence industry, the aircraft’s computing software systems were upgraded and entirely rewritten to meet real-time performance needs. The aircraft were assigned to the newly inaugurated 111 Squadron at Tengah Air Base in April 1990 and provided over-the-horizon surveillance, which significantly improved the RSAF’s operational response to air threats. 

In 1987, LTC Timothy De Souza became the first RSAF officer to be appointed parade commander for the National Day Parade

The Peace Carvin detachment was established in 1987, when the RSAF acquired an initial batch of eight F-16A/B Fighting Falcons. The fi­rst detachment was set up at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. It ended in 1990 when all eight F-16A/Bs were flown back to Singapore and were assigned to 140 Squadron.

“When Singapore decided to purchase the F-16A/Bs in 1983...we kept the aircraft in the United States for two years. This detachment in the United States was very beneficial to the pilots and crew. By the time the F-16s reached Singapore in January, they were already operational.”

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

The A-4 Skyhawks that the RSAF had received in 1973 were saved from obsolescence after they were locally refurbished by the Singapore Aerospace Maintenance Company, which is known today as Singapore Technologies Aerospace. The new A-4SU Super Skyhawks were retrofitted with advanced engines and had more than 100 modifications before they made their public debut in January 1988.

The major changes that transformed the Skyhawk into the Super Skyhawk.
 

In 1988, 165 SADA received its fi­rst batch of Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) who had been trained in Air Defence Artillery (ADA). NSFs began playing a more prominent role in the RSAF.

The Air Force Museum was first established at Changi Air Base in 1988 to capture the RSAF's spirit and heritage. It was revamped and reopened on 3 September 1991, with three halls showcasing over 1,000 exhibits and a large aircraft display area. 

The Singapore Air Defence Artillery badge was launched in 1989 to instill a sense of identity, pride, and belonging among personnel trained in ADA. It recognised their professionalism and expertise in operating ADA systems.

In March 1989, the Siabu Air Weapons Range in Indonesia was commissioned. The range enabled the RSAF and the Indonesian Air Force to conduct air weapons training with various types of combat aircraft. Here, pilots from both Air Forces learned from one another and honed their skills in air-to-ground target practices such as rocketry, gunnery, and bombing

In 1990, a new roundel that echoed the RSAF’s unity of purpose was launched to coincide with Singapore’s 25th year of independence. It depicted the majestic head of a lion, Singapore’s national symbol, surrounded by a bold red ring. The lion’s face embodies Singapore’s courage, strength, and resolve against obstacles, while the five segments of its mane represent our national values of democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality. The red ring denotes the RSAF’s role in upholding Singapore’s sovereignty, peace, and security.

The RSAF took part in Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin, Australia, for the first time in 1990. A biennial air combat exercise, it also involves participants from the Air Forces of Australia, France, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, and the United States as well as from the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. It promotes mutual understanding and provides the different Air Forces with opportunities to train in realistic operational scenarios

On 17 September 1990, the 42-week Tri-Service Officer Cadet Course was inaugurated at the Officer Cadet School. It allowed Officer Cadets from the Air Force, Army, and Navy to better understand tri-Service operations and provide more opportunities for interaction. They would train in a common environment for 19 weeks before undergoing further training specific to their respective vocations.

The AS-550 Fennec was purchased in 1992 and replaced the AS-350 Écureuil as the RSAF's helicopter trainer. It was operated by 123 and 124 Squadrons until its retirement in 2006. 

“Safety is like a religion. It teaches you all the good things and you must have certain beliefs.”

LTC Peh Teng Keng, Commander, Tengah Air Base, 1995 during a presentation on safety management at the RSAF’s first safety conference

In 1993, safety and team excellence were added to the SAF's seven core values, which were introduced in 1987, and they were adopted by the RSAF to institutionalise the Air Force's culture of safety. The RSAF also adopted a zero-accident philosophy.

The RSAF acquired the Dutch-made Fokker 50s, which replaced the ageing Skyvans. Four out of the nine were designated as utility transport aircraft, while the remaining five were assigned as maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft, modified by the RSAF engineers, had significantly greater endurance and carriage capacity than the Skyvans. RSAF engineers were also key in transforming the civilian platform into a highly versatile maritime patrol aircraft. The aircraft are operated by 121 Squadron and are stationed at Changi Air Base (West).

“The acquisition of the Fokker 50...is another milestone in the SAF’s efforts to stay at the cutting edge of technological development so that we can remain operationally capable in a fast-changing environment."

Dr Tony Tan, Minister for Defence, 1993 on the significance of acquiring the Fokker 50

Exercise Wallaby is an annual large-scale Army exercise conducted at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia. Along with various Army units, RSAF units, including fighter and transport aircraft, also take part in the exercise, where they hone the skills and coordination required to dominate the ground domain of unfamiliar terrain that is much larger than Singapore. The RSAF’s participation in this increasingly complex exercise has expanded over the years since it first took part in 1993.

On 22 March 1993, the RSAF signed an agreement with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) to establish the Flying Training School at RAAF Base Pearce in Western Australia. With the relocation of the S-211s, RSAF pilots were trained more effectively in a shorter period due to the availability of a larger airspace, favourable weather conditions, and greater proximity to training areas.

“The Flying Training School of today is strategically dispersed over three continents, necessitated by the lack of local training airspace. With increasing airspace squeeze and the expanding RSAF orbat, overseas training opportunities are key to the future development of the RSAF."

COL Allan Francis Chua, Commander, Flying Training School, 2000 on the importance of overseas training to the RSAF
 

In March 1993, the RSAF purchased more F-16 A/Bs to replace its ageing Hawker Hunters. The Peace Carvin II detachment was started in May with the new F-16 A/Bs and about 100 RSAF personnel.

On 20 May 1993, four Super Pumas and 62 personnel were deployed to Cambodia to assist the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in conducting UN-mandated elections. This was the RSAF's first UN peacekeeping mission, which involved ferrying election officials and ballot boxes to the various polling sites and counting centres, providing transport for medical casualties, conducting aerial policing, and other tasks

On 20 May 1993, four Super Pumas and 62 personnel were deployed to Cambodia to assist the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) in conducting UN-mandated elections. This was the RSAF's first UN peacekeeping mission, which involved ferrying election officials and ballot boxes to the various polling sites and counting centres, providing transport for medical casualties, conducting aerial policing, and other tasks

In 1994, the Searcher UAV replaced the Scout Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) and the RPV-qualified operators were sent overseas for conversion training. It was first used in an overseas exercise in 1996. The Searcher UAV was operated by 128 Squadron and, later, 119 Squadron.

Manoeuvring Range in Pekan Baru, Indonesia, occupied an airspace of about 20 nautical miles radius. The joint project between the Indonesian Armed Forces and the SAF was the ­first in the world to incorporate an operational Global Positioning System.

In August 1983, the RSAF participated in the first Exercise Air Thai-Sing with the Royal Thai Air Force in Korat, Thailand. Exercise Air Thai-Sing was renamed Exercise Cope Tiger in August 1994 following the participation of the United States Air Force. In this exercise, the US Air Force, the Royal Thai Air Force, and the RSAF conduct mission-oriented combined air combat and ground attack training to familiarise themselves with the local flying conditions as well as one another’s operating procedures and aircraft capabilities. It remains an excellent platform for professional exchange, close cooperation, and mutual understanding between personnel from the three Air Forces.

The dome-shaped Complete Engagement Simulator was introduced on 15 February 1995. It provided training opportunities and a computerised post-engagement analysis of simulated attack flights in a realistic battle­field environment.

The Super Puma HSC was set up in March 1995 at Sembawang Air Base. The simulator cabin was an exact replica of the Super Puma cockpit and could accommodate a pilot, a co-pilot, an instructor, and up to two observers.

Exercise Golden Sand is held locally between the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and tests the integration and operational readiness of the three Services. Some of the assets to be deployed for the exercise include the RSAF's AH-64D Apache helicopters to provide aerial support, and C-130 aircraft to deliver logistics supplies. In 2014, the exercise conducted a battalion coastal hook in Pulau Sudong and involved a battalion of Operationally Ready National Servicemen for the first time.

The ADSD was inaugurated on 1 June 1995. This marked the amalgamation of the Singapore Air Defence Artillery and the Air Force Systems Command into a single organisation that was housed at Paya Lebar Air Base.

The RSAF developed the Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation (ACMI) system to help enhance local flying training. Commissioned on 22 June 1995, it was housed at Paya Lebar Air Base and served as a cost-effective and powerful tool to train fighter pilots. The system optimised limited training airspace and allowed pilots to better execute their operations.

CARAT is an annual maritime drill exercise between the US Navy and the Republic of Singapore Navy that has been held since 1995. The exercise aims to enhance conventional maritime capabilities and maritime air operations, and the professional cooperation between the two elements. It has expanded in scope and complexity since its inception, and features an array of serials spanning all dimensions of maritime warfare, maritime security, force protection, and base defence. 

On 30 August 1995, the A-4SU Simulator was developed as a training component of the RSAF's new fleet of A-4SUs. It was located at the Flight Simulator Centre (FSC) in Paya Lebar Air Base.

“A lot of emergencies cannot be practiced on real helicopters for safety reasons. Such training is carried out on the simulator, safely and without endangering life. The pilot can train repeatedly until he is proficient at the manoeuvres. Malfunctions in the landing systems and engines can be simulated so that junior pilots and on-line pilots alike will be able to learn to deal with those situations.”

MAJ William Ong, Commanding Officer, Flight Simulator Centre, 1995 on the merits of flight simulator training

The new Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower at Sembawang Air Base, which opened on 30 October 1995, was specially designed to meet the RSAF's growing air traffic needs. This was unlike the RSAF's existing ATC towers, which had been handed over from the British and, in the case of Paya Lebar Air Base, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore. At 61m tall, the new ATC tower was the second tallest such tower after the one at Changi Airport.

The Peace Prairie detachment was inaugurated on 22 May 1996, when an agreement was signed between Singapore and the United States to base the RSAF's CH-47 Chinooks at the Grand Prairie Army Aviation Support Facility in Dallas, Texas. The RSAF aircrew underwent flight training in Alabama while ground crew trained with the Chinook manufacturers in Philadelphia. Upon completion, both crews began advanced training alongside their US counterparts in Dallas. 

“Due to our lack of training airspace, the Chinooks and their crew will initially be training in the US with the US Army National Guard. From our experience with the F-16s, such an arrangement will shorten the learning curve and enable us to quickly gain operational proficiency.”

Dr Tony Tan, Minister for Defence, 1994 on the mutually beneficial and fast-paced Peace Prairie Detachment

By the early 1990s, the expansion of the Army’s roles and responsibilities necessitated a better airlift capability. This led to the acquisition of the battle-proven CH-47 Chinook helicopters, which were assigned to 127 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base and had greater range and carriage capacity. The helicopters represent a significant step up for the RSAF’s Search and Rescue (SAR) and overall defence capabilities.

“To maintain our reputation worldwide as a first-class Air Force, we must upgrade our SAR capabilities. That is very important. The Chinooks will give us additional capability for SAR purposes. It will extend the range that our current Super Pumas can cover, and increase the load that the helicopters will be able to carry.”

Dr Yeo Ning Hong, Minister for Defence, 1994 on the benefits of having the Chinooks in the RSAF’s rotary wing

The vision of creating a ‘Quality Air Force’ necessitated the benchmarking of the RSAF’s standards against those of an established and accepted system. Doing so would help identity areas for improvement and facilities the honing of quality processes, doctrines, and standards. The RSAF's Flying Training Organisation, which oversaw the selection and training of RSAF pilots, became the ­first flying training school in the world to obtain the International Organisation for Standardisation's approval in June 1996.

The G-FET is an advanced pilot training facility that is designed to build up a pilot’s tolerance for the pressure of g-force while flying, and allows realistic training to be carried out without compromising safety. Commissioned in November 1996, it also boosts the overall capability of the RSAF’s Aeromedical Centre as a focal point for aeromedical consultation, training, and research. 

“To be useful, RSAF training has to be realistic without compromising safety standards. With the new facility, risk is minimised, while the training provided is realistic.”

Dr Tony Tan, Minister for Defence, 1996 on how the G-FET will enhance the RSAF’s quality of training 

The Combat-Technical scheme was unveiled in January 1997 as part of a larger development plan for Warrant Officers and Specialists in the SAF. Under the scheme, combatants were cross-trained and deployed in both their combat and related technical vocations for greater job and upgrading opportunities. 

On 2 May 1997, the RSAF saw its first batch of pilots graduate from the US Air Force's Undergraduate Pilot Training course at Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas. Among the graduates was CPT Lim Tuang Liang, who clinched the award for the best overall performer. The course included ground training as well as basic and advanced flying training on the T-37 and T-38 jet trainers.

When hostilities broke out between rival political factions in Phnom Penh, Singaporeans stranded in Cambodia requested for assistance from home. The RSAF was immediately mobilised. On 9 July 1997, six flights of C-130s were launched in two waves to ferry Singaporean businessmen and their families from Pochentong International Airport in Phnom Penh. Armed troops were also sent to secure the area around the airport with live ammunition.

Each flight had one RSAF security team and a medical team on standby for emergencies. The first C-130 took off at 6.40am and landed back at Paya Lebar Air Base around noon with 80 people on board, while the remaining aircraft followed at half-hour intervals and returned from the final flight at 6.54pm. In total, 452 people were safely evacuated through this operation.     

The new location of the Tactical Air Support Command (TASC) was inaugurated at Murai Camp on 17 September 1997. It provided the UAVs and their crew with their own runway within close proximity to their training airspace.

The addition of the KC-135R tankers to the arsenal facilitates the RSAF’s deployments abroad and enables flying operations to be sustained for long periods. These tankers provide mission support through the transportation of troops and equipment, and can perform aerial refuelling on all fighter platforms. The KC-135Rs operate out of 112 Squadron at Changi Air Base (West) and replaced the ageing KC-130s.

“We train extensively in countries like Australia, Thailand, and the US. We have to transport crew back and forth and we need support aircraft. The addition of new air-to-air refuelling aircraft will enable the RSAF to take a further step in making sure that we have the type of Air Force that is necessary for Singapore to defend itself.”

Dr Tony Tan, Minister for Defence, 1995 having seen how air-to-air refuelling is conducted during a visit to Tengah Air Base

In October 1997, the heat-seeking short-range Igla was added to ADSD’s arsenal. The Igla is a shoulder-launched missile system for engaging helicopters and other low-flying aircraft, and is operated by 18 Divisional Air Defence Artillery Battalion.

In November 1997, Singapore and South Africa signed an agreement for military cooperation, followed by a status of forces agreement a year later, which allowed SAF personnel to be deployed to South Africa. This paved the way for the RSAF to deploy its fi­rst three-month-long UAV detachment for training at Air Force Base Hoedspruit in October 1998.

At about 8.20pm on 19 December 1997, news broke that a SilkAir Boeing 737-300 carrying 46 Singaporeans had crashed near Palembang in Indonesia. Unfazed by the crisis, the SAF launched a large-scale operation involving hundreds of personnel from all three Services. Two Super Pumas from 126 Squadron were among the RSAF aircraft deployed to Palembang. 

What was initially a Search and Rescue mission to locate survivors quickly turned into a Search and Recovery operation that lasted three weeks. Aircraft parts and personal effects were ferried from the crash site to Palembang; the Super Pumas also ferried people and supplies to the crash site. The search was made more difficult by the murky waters of the Musi River, where the flight had crashed. Most of the wreckage was recovered from the river within an area of about 60m by 80m.

Air Defence Artillery officers, Air Operations and Communications Officers, Navigators, and UAV officers were brought under the WSO combat vocation.

Weapon Systems Officers (Fighter) work very closely with The new vocation excluded all pilots, technical officers and non-uniformed service officers, who would continue to be managed separately, due to the unique selection process and training requirements. The creation of the WSO vocation optimised manpower and opened up the possibility of cross-deploying WSOs into related areas within the vocation.

Exercise Western Arc was the RSAF’s ­first bilateral exercise with the French Air Force (FAF), and was conducted from 23 February to 7 March 1998. The exercise provided dissimilar air combat training that enabled the RSAF to improve its operational preparedness and combat efficiency with the FAF.

The FPS-117 is an advanced, all-weather, three-dimensional long-range radar with high precision detection capabilities. Operated by 201 Squadron, it replaced the ITT RS-321 radar to become the main surveillance system for round-the-clock defence of Singapore’s airspace.

UAV officers used to be drawn from a range of combat vocations. When the RSAF recognised the importance of nurturing a quality pool of specialised UAV pilots, the UAV Training School (UTS) was formed on 1 July 1998. It conducted all courses related to UAV operations, namely, the UAV Wings Course, Receive-Only Station Commander Course, UAV Instructor Course, and External Pilot Course.

Earlier in 1998, the RSAF’s combat capability received a boost with the establishment of the Peace Carvin III detachment at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico. Together with the Peace Carvin II detachment at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, it played a key role in making the F-16C/Ds operational for the RSAF. The first F-16C/Ds arrived in Singapore on 14 August 1998 and were assigned to 140 Squadron at Tengah Air Base

“The RSAF has evaluated a variety of advanced fighers in the same class. After extensive evaluation, it opted for the F-16C/D because it is the most cost-effective aircraft for our defence and security needs. The aircraft meets the RSAF’s requirements in terms of life-cycle costs, logistics supportability, and prospects for upgrade in the long term.”

Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Labour and Second Minister for Defence, 1994 on the strengths of the F-16C/D

On 1 September 1998, 126 Squadron deployed its Super Puma helicopters to Oakey in Queensland, Australia. The detachment allowed the Super Puma operators to take advantage of the larger training airspace there. 

On 6 October 1998, the Tri-Service Staff Course was established at the SAF Advanced Schools in SAFTI Military Institute. The course develops officers professionally through exposure to regional and military issues, and serves as a forum for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences.

In 1999, the RSAF participated in the inaugural Exercise Camar Indopura with the Indonesian Air Force. The RSAF deployed a Fokker 50 to conduct joint surveillance over the South China Sea. Medical personnel from both Air Forces also provided medical and dental services on Natuna Island.

On 2 March 1999, the RSAF’s A-4SU Super Skyhawks were transported to Cazaux Air Base in France and were used for advanced jet training. This move helped overcome the limitations of local airspace. 

In 1999, the RSAF acquired its first AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, which were used in the Peace Vanguard detachment in 2002. They arrived in Singapore in June 2006. Inaugurated into 120 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, these helicopters with advanced avionics and weapon systems boost the SAF’s capability to take on a wider range of missions, especially air-land integrated operations.

“Proving ourselves during certification training at Fort Hood and playing an instrumental role as part of the Aviation Task Force in the Joint Readiness Training Centre (JRTC), shows that the RSAF’s attack helicopter capability has leap-frogged tremendously in the short span of time since we acquired the lethal AH-64D Apache Longbow.”

LTC Christopher Wong, Pioneer Apache Pilot, 120 Squadron, 2003 on participating in the United States Army’s elite JRTC exercise

“An attack helicopter capability fits in well with the SAF’s development as a modern and balance force.”

Dr Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, 2003

The ­first Combined Fighter Weapons Instructor Course to be jointly conducted by the RSAF and Indonesian Air Force began on 4 September 1999. During the three-month course, which equipped the trainees with knowledge of weapon systems, delivery and tactics of successful air attacks.

On 21 September 1999, Taiwan was hit by a massive earthquake that measured 7.2 on the Richter scale. This disaster toppled more than 6,000 buildings, killed over 2,100 people, and injured more than 7,800; about 100,000 more were displaced. The RSAF responded with a C-130 for the disaster relief mission that included a 17-member SAF medical team and members of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, along with relief and medical supplies. This operation lasted until 4 October 1999 and was well appreciated by the Taiwanese, some of whom refused to take money from the SAF team members when they patronised the local shops.  

“Amid the savage destruction wrought by nature, many of the team members experienced the gentler side of humanity and came away with a little more humility and a renewed faith in the inherent goodness of man.”

CPT (Dr) Ng Wee Tong, Deputy Team Leader, 1999 on gaining a different perspective after taking part in this SAF mission

In August 1999, East Timor fell into chaos as violent clashes broke out between pro-independence and pro-Indonesian supporters. A month later, Australia led the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET) into the warring country to help restore order. INTERFET was replaced by the UN Transitional Administration to East Timor (UNTAET) in December 1999.

In January 2000, the RSAF sent a C-130 detachment, consisting of 24 crew members and three officers, to assist in the transition to UNTAET by providing airlift support between Darwin and East Timor. After East Timor – now Timor-Leste – gained independence, UNTAET was replaced by the UN Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) in May 2002.

At the UN's request, Singapore increased its peacekeeping efforts in Timor-Leste from a platoon to a company. The RSAF also contributed a 72-man detachment comprising four UH-1H helicopters from 120 Squadron to provide direct aerial support to UNMISET forces in south-western Timor-Leste. The RSAF team remained active in East Timor until the mission concluded in May 2002.

“We provided airlift support for passengers as well as cargo…At the same time, we also provided backup aeromedical evacuation standby. SAF training for us has been significant in a way that it has prepared us adequately to assimilate fairly quickly into the flying operations that we are tasked to do.”

MAJ Peter Lim, Commanding Officer, 122 Squadron, 2000 on Singapore’s contribution to this large peacekeeping effor

The RSAF began promoting its vision of "World Class People, First Class Air Force" in 2000 to signal its readiness to benchmark itself against the world's best Air Forces, in spite of its relative youth and small size.

“The RSAF has overcome many limitations to become a first-class Air Force today. These achievements are possible because of its formidable combination of committed people and advanced technology.”

Dr Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, 1998

The Flying Training School’s Air Grading Centre moved its operations from Seletar to Tamworth, Australia, in 2000. Training was conducted by RSAF instructors while British Aerospace Flight Training provided and maintained the training facilities and four CT4B trainers.

“Besides the ability to operate with less constraints in airspace, there will be greater continuity for the trainee pilots in their flying training, since weather is not a major factor in Perth. Operating side by side with their Australian counterpart, our Flying Training School would be able to better gauge the way we train our pilots.”

MG Raymund Ng, Chief of Air Force, 2000 during his send-off speech to the Flying Training School detachment

The profi­le of the RSAF as a globally recognised Air Force was reinforced in February 2000, when the RSAF became the ­first non-NATO country to join the NATO Flying Training in Canada programme. This programme for cooperative military flight training provided a viable and cost-effective way to train RSAF pilots while exposing.

The RSAF took part for the first time in ODAX, a French-led multilateral exercise involving NATO countries, which took place at Colmar Air Base in the north-east region of France from 25 April to 12 May 2000. Six A-4SU Super Skyhawks and 65 personnel from the RSAF participated in the exercise.

The ATCR-33S is a radar that provides medium-range air surveillance. It was declared fully operational at a ceremony held at Tengah Air Base.

On 4 November 2000, the RSAF received a request from Singapore Airlines to assist in bringing back three critically injured Singaporeans from Taipei. The RSAF immediately configured its KC-135R into an in-flight intensive care unit to ferry the three Singaporean survivors home in the shortest time possible. A 28-member team, comprising doctors and medical staff from the Singapore General Hospital and the aeromedical evacuation team, flew in with the KC-135R.

“The mission was very challenging as it was our very first aeromedical evacuation mission. Together with the medical team, we were able to reconfigure the aircraft in the shortest time possible and set off for Taipei. Throughout the flight, the temperature and the pressure of the cabin were controlled to accommodate the casualties who were suffering from severe burns.”

LTC Gan Keng Soon, Commanding Officer, 112 Squadron, 2000 who helped reconfigure the aircraft to be ready for launch in two days
 

The RSAF and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) signed an agreement to jointly develop an advanced diploma in aerospace engineering and management. The first of its kind in Singapore, this one-year full-time course gives Warrant Officers and Specialists an avenue to upgrade themselves, and prepares them for higher appointments in the Air Force.

The Air Force School was inaugurated in January 2001 to centralise basic airman training from several vocational schools in one institution. For RSAF airmen, the AFS became a common starting point where the RSAF’s core values were instilled and strengthened, and stood as a bedrock of identity for new generations of professionals preparing to serve in the RSAF.

The RSAF participated in Exercise Maple Flag at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake in Alberta, Canada, from 10 to 22 June 2002. This multilateral air exercise allowed the RSAF to strengthen its operational capabilities by training in a realistic combat environment, and benchmarking itself against the best Air Forces in the world. 

The ground-breaking ceremony of Changi Air Base (East), an extension of Changi Air Base, was held on 15 July 2002. The new complex was the first facility to be jointly designed and developed by the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency. Completed two years later, Changi Air Base (East) became the new home of 145 Squadron and its fleet of F-16D Block 52+ aircraft.

“Changi East, as an enhancement to Changi Air Base, will improve the efficiency and robustness of the RSAF’s overall readiness and operational capability. For example, Changi East will give the RSAF greater flexibility to disperse its assets while at the same time allowing it to better maximise the limited local training airspace.”

Dr Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, 2002 who officiated at the ground-breaking ceremony

On 9 April 2003, the Peace Vanguard detachment was inaugurated at Silverbell Army Heliport in Marana, Arizona, with the assistance of the Arizona Army National Guard. The detachment gave the RSAF's Apache squadron valuable access to ­ring ranges and training.

From 27 October 2003 to 20 December 2008, close to 1,000 SAF personnel were sent to join their counterparts from more than 30 countries to help rebuild Iraq and restore peace and stability there. The RSAF deployed three KC-135R tanker aircraft, which were equipped with multi-point refuelling systems, to aid in refuelling different types of aircraft used by partner forces in Iraq. One C-130 transport aircraft was also deployed for conducting airlifts and medical evacuation missions in the conflict zone.

“The RSAF was very well prepared. They came to the theatre ready to go to work. I am very impressed with them and was absolutely amazed with their professionalism, confidence and preparedness. Their attitude was absolutely positive, second to none. I look forward to other opportunities of working with personnel from the RSAF.”

MAJ Robert Brisson, US Air Force, 2004 on the RSAF's performance during the reconstruction effort in Iraq  

The Ministry of Defence accepted an offer to take part in the JSF programme, a US-led multinational project to develop an advanced, cost-effective multi-role stealth strike fighter that can perform air defence and ground attack missions with increased precision, enhanced combat survivability, and lower cost of maintenance. The RSAF’s involvement provided an early opportunity to assess the JSF’s ability to meet the RSAF’s long-term operational requirements for a multi-role fi­ghter.

The RSAF held its first bilateral exercise with the Indian Air Force from 11 to 27 October 2004 at Gwalior in Western India. Six F-16C/D Fighting Falcons from the RSAF were deployed for Exercise Sindex, which reflected the growing defence ties between Singapore and India.

On 26 December 2004, a massive underwater earthquake measuring 9.0 on the Richter scale struck the western coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, and triggered several tsunamis that wreaked destruction in several countries around the Indian Ocean.

In response to the widespread devastation, the SAF activated a rescue and relief operation to Medan, Banda Aceh, and Meulaboh in Indonesia, as well as to Phuket in Thailand. The RSAF also flew in supplies and support missions to Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Mauritius. Despite the holiday season, the SAF teams were the first to arrive at the scene.

This large-scale Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation involved the deployment of 1,500 personnel, eight Chinook and four Super Puma helicopters, six C-130 transport aircraft, and two Fokker 50 utility aircraft. Paya Lebar Air Base was used as a transit point to support the relief operation.

Operating out of 123 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, the S-70B Seahawk was selected in January 2005 to complement the Formidable-class frigates of the Republic of Singapore Navy. It was chosen for its helicopter-borne anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities. In 2009, the RSAF started training on the Seahawk in a detachment to San Diego.

The Chinook Full Mission Simulator was commissioned at the Helicopter Simulator Centre on 29 April 2005. The simulator uses high-resolution images and can generate up to 500 different scenarios, including attack from ground troops or air defence artillery fire, and winching operations. 

On 29 August 2005, the RSAF assisted in the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation that followed the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the US. More than 1,800 people died in the hurricane and subsequent floods, making it one of the deadliest hurricanes in US history. The RSAF responded by deploying three CH-47 Chinook helicopters and 47 personnel from its Peace Prairie detachment in Texas to assist in the relief operations. A fourth Chinook was deployed three days later for a week-long relief mission in North Carolina. 

“After playing a critical role in the tsunami relief efforts earlier this year, the Republic of Singapore was one of the first countries that understood the devastation in our nation and immediately reached out to help those left in Katrina’s wake.”

Joe Wilson, US Congressman, 2005 who acknowledged Singapore's assistance during a speech to the House of Representatives

“The American people were deeply grateful for Singapore’s help…RSAF personnel were saving lives in Louisiana and the other Gulf Coast States, and Americans would long remember this.”

Frank Lavin, US Ambassador to Singapore, 2005 on the RSAF's aid in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

Exercise Forging Sabre was the SAF’s first unilateral exercise in the US. Held in the vast Mojave Desert from 10 to 21 November 2005, the exercise sought to integrate the operations of the SAF’s Apache and Chinook helicopters, F-16 fighter aircraft, UAVs, and Artillery and Commando ground forces. Some of the RSAF’s capabilities, namely precision strike as well as Integrated Knowledge-based Command and Control, were demonstrated, showcasing the RSAF’s ability to effectively deploy the different forces in a network-centric environment.