RSAF's F-15SG declared fully operational

The eagle is finally ready to dominate the skies.

Joining the ranks of the F-16s and other advanced Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) systems like the G550 airborne early warning aircraft, the F-15SG multi-role fighter aircraft has attained Full Operational Capability (FOC) after three and a half years.

Marking this significant milestone, a ceremony was held at Paya Lebar Airbase on 18 Sep. At the ceremony, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen emphasised the importance of having a strong RSAF.

"The RSAF's F-15SGs have been rigorously tested and proven superior in air defence and strike capabilities, and integrated with other air platforms within the RSAF, which together are able to respond to a spectrum of threats to defend and dominate our skies. A strong RSAF provides confidence that Singapore is well capable of defending its sovereignty and protecting our precious homeland," said Dr Ng.

Operated by 149 Squadron (SQN) since 2010, the F-15SG is equipped with the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar which allows the aircraft to detect and engage targets before it is detected. It can carry up to eight air-to-air missiles in an air-to-air configuration, and up to fifteen 500lbs bombs in an air-to-ground configuration, and is able to climb altitudes beyond the speed of sound. These advanced capabilities make the F-15SG a formidable asset of the RSAF.

"The F-15SGs are a complement for (Singapore's) entire air defence umbrella. They have more sophisticated air systems, which means we are able to do our job more effectively and their true capabilities will only be realised in a larger scale deployment," said Major (MAJ) Nick Wong, Commanding Officer of 149 SQN.

He added: "If we're called to battle, that is when the F-15SG's strength will shine as it carries more missiles than other fighter aircraft. It carries more fuel, sees further and shoots further. So it integrates together very well with the rest of the (RSAF's) aircraft to achieve mission success."

After taking delivery of the aircraft in May 2009, the F-15SG pilots, weapon systems officers and maintenance crew have undergone intensive training to operate and maintain the aircraft, as well as to integrate them to support the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) operations.

For Military Expert (ME) 3-3 Saravanan, working on the F-15SG for the first time was full of challlenges.

"The aircraft is huge and there are 15 weapon stations. The first thing that came to my mind was that the F-15SG is very high and I had never worked on such a high platform before," said the Air Force Engineer.

"The surface area is so large and the time to do inspections takes longer as well. So, we really had to deal with all these differences and learn things all over again."

Most of the crew's initial training took place in the RSAF's Peace Carvin (PC) V Detachment at Mountain Home Air Force Base in the United States.

Weapons Systems Officer (Fighter) MAJ Edwin Koh felt that this was why the F-15SG could be operationalised in a such a short period of time. He explained that the Mountain Home Air Base provided extensive airspace and training facilities, which were limited in Singapore. This helped to hone the ground crew and aircrew's capabilities in a very short period of time.

"Training in Mountain Home also helped us strengthen defence relations with the United States Air Force and it opened a gateway for us to participate in other training with them," he added.

The F-15SG is jointly operated by 149 SQN locally and the PC V Detachment. The RSAF has participated with the advanced fighter jets in major exercises such as Exercise Forging Sabre, Exercise Cope Tiger, Exercise Pitch Black and Exercise Bersama Shield.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou as well as other senior officers from the SAF.