The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) revealed in a statement on Oct. 8 that they have deployed aircraft and personnel to Australia for a two-month detachment at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin.

The two-month detachment will run from Oct. 7 to Dec. 11, 2020 and will allow RSAF to conduct realistic training and maintain high levels of operational readiness.

Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen took to Facebook on Oct. 8 to share that some of the aircrafts deployed include F-15SGs, A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, and G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft.

Ng added that deployment marks Singapore's strong defence ties with Australia and is grateful for the support of the Australian Government.

He said,

"This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the SAF’s training presence in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. We are grateful for the support of the Australian Government and the good people in Darwin and in other areas for hosting our military training."

RSAF to implement strict safety precautions

RSAF took to Facebook on Oct. 8 to share that RSAF will implement strict safety precautions such as pre- and post- deployment isolation and swab tests.

This is to ensure the team of airmen and women being deployed also abide by Australia's health and safety measures to minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

RSAF earlier said they have reduced local training "as far as possible"

Responding to parliamentary questions about RSAF's training schedule and readiness by Members of Parliament Jamus Lim and Sitoh Yih Pin, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen said in a written reply that the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) are aware of the inconvenience and disruption of the noise from fighter jets in Singapore.

Ng also said that the RSAF has reduced its local training "as far as possible", and that around half of actual flying training occurs overseas.

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Top photo via RSAF