Minister of State for Defence visits joint S'pore-India airforce military training in India

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are conducting a Joint Military Training (JMT) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station (AFS KKD), India from Oct 14 to Nov 20.

Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman visited JMT today as part of his trip to attend the India Global Forum held on Nov 9 and 10 in New Delhi, India. At the air base, Dr Maliki was hosted to lunch by Air Commodore Rakesh Sinha, Air Officer Commanding, 5 Wing, AFS KKD.
Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman interacting with the air and ground crew of the Republic of Singapore Air Force, who were participating in the Joint Military Training with the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Kalaikunda Air Force Station

The RSAF deployed F-16D Block 52+ fighter aircraft to train with the IAF's MiG-21 and MiG-29 fighter aircraft in this year's JMT. JMT is conducted under the Bilateral Agreement between both air forces. The Bilateral Agreement, which was signed in 2007 and renewed in July 2012, provides for the conduct of joint military training and exercises in India.

Over the years, JMT has grown in scale and complexity. It now involves advanced air assets from both countries and includes high-end training missions such as Dissimilar Air Combat Training and Mission-Oriented Training.

Highlighting the significance of JMT, the RSAF Detachment Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Stanley Selva said, "We value the opportunity to train alongside our counterparts from India regularly in this Joint Military Training. It allows us to be exposed to a range of aircraft platforms, and enables us to strengthen the close and long-standing relationship between the RSAF and the IAF."

Dr Maliki viewing the IAF’s MiG-29 fighter aircraft. He was accompanied by Air Commodore Rakesh Sinha, Air Officer Commanding of 5 Wing, AFS KKD

The RSAF's participation in the JMT underscores the warm defence relations Singapore shares with India. Aside from training together, the two air forces also interact regularly through the exchange of visits, cross-attendance of courses and other professional exchange programmes.

spanaech@sph.com.sg