Singapore, Thailand, US conclude trilateral air exercise

SINGAPORE - A trilateral air exercise involving Thailand, the United States, and Singapore came to a close today at Korat Air Base in Thailand.

The closing ceremony for Exercise Cope Tiger was officiated by Singapore's Chief of Air Force, Major-General Hoo Cher Mou; Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong; and Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, General Herbert J. Carlisle.

This is the 20th year of the annual exercise.

The first phase was a command post exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercise Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from Dec 10 to 12 last year, while the second phase was a flying training exercise conducted at Korat Air Base, Thailand, from Mar 10 to 21 this year.

76 aircraft, 42 ground-based air defence systems, and about 2,000 personnel from the participating nations were involved in this year's exercise.

The participants of this year's exercise were able to execute air defence and strike operations to enhance their combat readiness and operational capabilities.

They also took part in a two-day socio-civic programme providing basic health and dental services to the community in the vicinity of Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.

Highlighting the significance of this trilateral exercise, Colonel Benedict Ang, the RSAF Exercise Director for Exercise Cope Tiger 2014, said, "We value the opportunity to train alongside our counterparts from Thailand and the United States in the exercise. It hones our combat skills, enhances our interoperability, and allows us to forge closer cooperation and stronger friendship among the participants."

Conducted since 1994, Exercise Cope Tiger seeks to enhance professionalism and interoperability among the participating forces, and foster closer rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel.

ellenja@sph.com.sg