RSAF clinches two wins, deploys largest fleet of fighters for US exercise
//Story by Teo Jing Ting / Photos courtesy of RSAF
Fourteen F-15SG and 10 F-16 fighter aircraft from the RSAF's Peace Carvin II and V detachments were deployed in Exercise Red Flag – Alaska 2024.
A slew of aircraft engaging in air-to-air combat, with adversaries closing in from all sides. These fighter jets must drop their munitions on time, on target, while avoiding threats from the air and on the ground.
Welcome to this year's edition of Exercise Red Flag – Alaska, a multilateral, large-scale air combat exercise hosted by the United States Air Force (USAF) from 30 May to 14 Jun at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, US.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed 14 F-15SG and 10 F-16 fighter aircraft – its largest fleet to date – together with over 300 personnel from its Peace Carvin II and V detachments, to take part in the exercise.
They were joined by their USAF and Indian Air Force (IAF) counterparts, bringing the total number of assets to more than 90 aircraft. These include the USAF's F-16 and A-10, as well as the IAF's Rafale.
Delivering bombs on time, on target
For RSAF Exercise Director Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Lim Jian Yang, the most exciting part of the exercise was delivering the munitions successfully while defending themselves against advanced surface-to-air missile threats.
"We were fighting our way in to get to our target," recalled the 39-year-old F-15SG pilot from Peace Carvin V, who has about 10 years of flying experience.
"It was rewarding because I was bringing along a younger pilot in the backseat. It was his first time being exposed to such a dense threat environment, so it's a good learning opportunity for him."
One of the challenges the pilots faced was understanding the capabilities of the various countries' aircraft and learning how to fight alongside one another.
However, this was exactly the opportunity needed to hone the RSAF's operational capabilities.
LTC Lim said: "We've learnt to benchmark ourselves against the other credible air forces and this gives us the confidence to be able to deliver where we are asked to, as well as defend Singapore."
Building friendships
As a Mission Commander, Captain (CPT) Bryan Ong, 30, often had to plan tactical scenarios with the USAF and IAF.
While he was thankful for a good planning team, it was challenging to work with personnel from other nations as they all communicated and operated differently.
"We had to iron out all these differences but (it's a good thing) 'cos it helps to bring up our competency as a fighter aircrew, and we learn how to be better," said the F-16 pilot from Peace Carvin II.
"Through that, we also make friends with the other air forces!"
Level up
The vast airspace and mountainous terrain in Alaska, as well as the large number of aircraft flying during the exercise, were things that the RSAF crew don't normally get to experience back in Singapore.
For example, the pilots went up against close to 20 adversary aircraft compared to the usual six or eight.
"They also have a dedicated aggressor force (using different tactics with) advanced fighter aircraft, integrated air defence systems and electronic warfare that we might not be able to do or replicate in our daily training sorties back home," said CPT Ong.
"It's a valuable training opportunity for all of us to improve our skills and make the RSAF better."
Coming up tops
This year, the RSAF won two awards during the exercise – "Top Fighter Generation Squadron" and "Outstanding Mission Commander".
The latter was clinched by first-time Mission Commander CPT Tan Yi, a 30-year-old Weapon Systems Officer (Fighter) from Peace Carvin V.
Deeply honoured to be recognised as the top mission commander, CPT Tan said that he's appreciative and thankful to his team, which includes the aircrew from the RSAF, USAF and IAF who supported him throughout.
"I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the ground crew for ensuring we had safe and airworthy aircraft to fly. Overall, I am proud to have represented Singapore and my squadron in this exercise."
Keeping planes mission-ready
For Military Expert (ME) 1 Navanee D/O Amurthalingam, getting the aircraft mission-ready in the face of unpredictable weather has taught her to be more adaptable.
"As maintenance crew, we often work outdoors so when it's raining and there's risk of lightning, we have to evacuate from the front line in a matter of minutes," explained the 25-year-old air force engineer (AFE) from Peace Carvin V.
"There's also a large number of aircraft on the flight line and personnel deployed, so we have to ensure effective communication between all parties in order to work safely and effectively."
Working alongside their USAF and IAF counterparts in this high-tempo environment has also opened her eyes to the capabilities of the other air forces' maintenance crew.
"It's also a good reminder to strive to be the best engineer I can be," said ME1 Navanee, who maintains the F-15SGs.
"Winning the 'Top Fighter Generation Squadron' Award was a tremendous honour for the whole team. It stands as a testament to the months of meticulous planning and hard work that everyone contributed."
Flying Singapore's flag high
LTC Lim feels that the hard work put in by the team has paid off.
"We've received positive feedback… (and) the USAF has observed that we are professional and take pride in delivering high standards, be it our mission commanders, during planning or achieving our mission (objectives).
"So I think our guys have done well and, at the same time, the maintenance crew has also done very well to make sure that the aircraft is fit for flight for the sorties."
Commenting that the RSAF has performed "exceptionally well", the USAF's Deployed Forces Commander for the exercise, COL Gregory G. Keller, said: "I am very impressed by the production of aircraft from the maintenance side, and the performance and professionalism of the aircrew in the air.
"I have had the opportunities to work with the RSAF before… and I have always been impressed by their capabilities."
