By Yesterday (9 Dec), an Open Mobilisation exercise was launched for the personnel of 5 RSAF fighter squadrons.
More than 90 per cent of the RSAF servicemen including pilots and ground crew, were said to have reported to their air bases within a few hours.
Both active and operationally ready NSmen were involved. They reported back to their air bases at Changi Air Base, Paya Lebar Air Base and Tengah Air Base within hours of the mobilisation.
Using his Facebook page, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen hails the mobilisation exercise a success, despite his colleague Minister of State Edwin Tong denouncing and accusing Facebook for being a platform for “spreading lies and falsity”.
Ng said, “Successful open mobilisation exercise by the Fighter Group from The Republic of Singapore Air Force today. Within a few hours, over 90% of servicemen, both active and NS, have already reported to RSAF’s air bases.”
“Such exercises are important to maintain the SAF’s operational readiness. Well done, men and women of the RSAF, especially our NSmen!” he added.
MINDEF said the RSAF conducts mobilisation exercises regularly to “validate the operational readiness of units on manning duties, as well as to ensure that the SAF’s activation processes are kept warm and relevant”.
“As a small country with no strategic depth, it is critical that Singapore possess an effective and ready air force as the first line of deterrence and defence,” MINDEF added.
During yesterday’s mobilisation exercise, Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, was also seen visiting the Paya Lebar Air Base to oversee the open mobilisation exercise.
Formidable firepower from RSAF
According to a Business Insider report published in Apr this year, Singapore is said to have the “best air force and navy in Southeast Asia”.
In terms of aircraft, Singapore has at least 40 of the latest and most advanced F-15s, equipped with the Raytheon AN/APG-63 active electronically scanned array radar and Lockheed Martin’s Sniper targeting pod. This is according to a report from Defense News last year.
Singapore also flies 60 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 52 fighters that are currently being upgraded with AESA radars and new mission computers, and is a partner in the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Program.
With such formidable firepower, it’s no wonder the Singapore ministers are telling the Malaysians that Singapore won’t hesitate to take firm actions against Malaysia if necessary with regard to the recent maritime dispute between the 2 countries.