Page 38 - MustangEbook

MBDA Mistral
SuperPuma AS332M1
The introduction of new and more capable

The RSAF was formally inaugurated on 1 Apr platforms strengthened the RSAF’s
1975 as an independent service to accelerate operational capabilities and allowed the
the development of the air capability. In the RSAF to contribute more significantly
following ten years, the RSAF embarked on towards global causes. Consequently, our
increasingly sophisticated developments and defence relationships with foreign militaries
phased in more advanced weapon systems. and the United Nations were enhanced.
The RSAF ushered in the realm of supersonic
flight with the F-5 fighter jets in 1979. To
hone the proficiency of the RSAF personnel,
the RSAF trained overseas with the
Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU) and the
United States Air Force (USAF). Besides Fokker 50 UTA/MPA
addressing the air defence needs of Singapore,
the capabilities built-up also allowed the
RSAF to be deployed for peacetime missions
such as the Humanitarian and Disaster Relief
(HADR) operation during the 1971 Kuantan
flood and the cable car rescue operations in Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow
1983.

Second Generation RSAF (1985 - 2005):
Spreading Wings and Forging Ahead

In the Second Generation (1985 – 2005), the
RSAF increased participation in overseas Lockheed F-16C (Black Knight)
exercises such as Exercise PITCH BLACK
and exercises COPE TIGER. Till today, these
exercises continue to be useful platforms to
strengthen defence ties and enhance the
training with foreign air forces. The RSAF
continued to develop her capabilities by
enhancing our aircraft fleet and ground-based
air defence (GBAD) systems. Boeing CH-47 Chinook