Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo recently visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) Advanced Jet Training Detachment at Cazaux Air Base, France, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Singapore-France defence relations. The event, attended by Philippe Paul, Vice-President of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence, and the Armed Forces, featured the unveiling of a special anniversary logo on RSAF’s M346 aircraft and the French Air and Space Force’s (FASF) Alpha Jet, followed by a combined flypast.
Choo emphasised the importance of the RSAF’s presence at Cazaux Air Base, highlighting France’s role in recognising Singapore’s independence in 1965 and the subsequent development of a robust partnership. “Since 1998, when the first RSAF Super Skyhawk flew over French skies, Cazaux has been our home away from home,” he stated. The base has been pivotal for RSAF, transitioning to the M346 Advanced Jet Trainer in 2012, and has since trained over 330 fighter pilots and Weapon Systems Officers, accumulating more than 31,000 flight hours.
The Cazaux Air Base hosts RSAF’s 150 Squadron, comprising instructor pilots, engineers, trainees, and support staff. This overseas training facility helps the RSAF address Singapore’s land and airspace limitations. Regular interactions between RSAF and FASF through visits and professional exchanges have significantly bolstered defence relations and camaraderie between the two nations’ air forces. The ongoing collaboration underscores the enduring and multifaceted partnership between Singapore and France.
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