Singapore, Indonesia air forces mark 45 years of defence ties with Exercise Elang Indopura
RSAF and TNI AU F-16 aircraft conducting air-to-air refuelling with RSAF's A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport during Exercise Elang Indopura. PHOTO: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
SINGAPORE – The air forces of Singapore and Indonesia are marking 45 years of defence relations with a joint exercise in Indonesia starting this week that involves more than 100 personnel.
The biennial Exercise Elang Indopura is taking place from May 13 to 26 at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Force Base, Pekanbaru, conducted by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU).
More than 100 personnel from both sides, as well as four RSAF F-16C/D, one RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) and two TNI AU F-16 aircraft, are participating in the two-week event, Mindef said in a statement on May 16.
As part of the exercise, the F-16 fighter jets from both air forces conducted air-to-air refuelling with the A330 MRTT, and joint air-to-ground training at the Siabu Air Weapons Range in Indonesia.
RSAF's exercise director, Colonel Jonavan Ang, said: 'The training exercise brings our aircrew and ground crew together to develop operational competencies, as well as strengthen the camaraderie amongst our people. It is an invaluable experience for all the participants, and I look forward to many such opportunities to deepen our bilateral cooperation.'
Exercise Elang Indopura , which was inaugurated in 1980 , serves as an important platform to enhance the professionalism, cooperation and mutual trust between the two air forces, said Mindef.
Aside from the training exercises, the RSAF and TNI AU also engage regularly in activities like cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and reciprocal visits.
Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
a day ago
- Straits Times
Singapore, US navies conclude 12-day bilateral exercise in Guam
Exercise Pacific Griffin, held from June 7 to 18, was held in Guam and its surrounding waters. PHOTO: MINDEF SINGAPORE - The Singapore and US navies on June 18 concluded a 12-day bilateral exercise that was held in Guam and it s surrounding waters. It was the fifth edition of Exercise Pacific Griffin , which began on June 7, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on June 19 . The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN ) participated in the exercise with the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme , with an embarked S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter , and the Independence-class littoral mission vessel RSS Sovereignty . The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) also participated with two Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft and six F-16 fighter aircraft . The United States Navy (USN) participated with the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS William P. Lawrence, the T-AKE oiler USNS Charles Drew and a P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft . Naval divers from both navies also took part. During the exercise, both navies conducted a series of advanced naval warfare serials, including live missile and gunnery firings, as well as a simulated air defence exercise and simulated encounter exercises. The RSAF aircraft engaged in a series of sea-air missions, aimed at strengthening sea-air integration. Meanwhile, naval divers from the RSN took part in maritime explosive ordnance disposal and maritime counter-terrorism operations training. The RSN's Commander of First Flotilla, Colonel Daniel Ng Kok Yeng , said Exercise Pacific Griffin is 'a valuable opportunity' for both navies to enhance their mutual cooperation and understanding. 'The vast training space in the waters off Guam provides us with the opportunity to hone our war-fighting capabilities,' he added. Deputy Commodore of the USN's Destroyer Squadron 7, Captain John Baggett , said: 'We have a firm commitment to our partners in this region and a partnership with Singapore that spans nearly six decades. 'Pacific Griffin is one of many technologically robust training opportunities we participate in throughout the year that allows us to build dynamic competencies as an integrated maritime force.' Mindef said Exercise Pacific Griffin highlights the strong navy-to-navy relations between Singapore and the US, as well as the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relations between both countries. Apart from bilateral exercises, both navies also engage in a wide range of activities, including professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and participation in multilateral exercises, added the ministry. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
International Business Times
5 days ago
- International Business Times
Why UK Royal Air Force F-35 Fighter Jet Forced to Make Emergency Landing at Kerala Airport
A UK Royal Air Force F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night after running low on fuel while operating over the Indian Ocean. The fifth-generation stealth jet, deployed from a British aircraft carrier, was forced to divert after several failed landing attempts on the vessel due to rough seas and high winds. According to defence and airport sources, the jet's pilot sought emergency clearance from Indian air traffic controllers as fuel levels dropped dangerously low. The Thiruvananthapuram airport, situated along Kerala's southern coast, was chosen as the safest alternative. A full-scale emergency protocol was immediately activated at the airport. Runway access was cleared, and emergency teams—including fire and rescue units—were placed on high alert. The aircraft touched down safely at around 9:30 p.m. without incident, drawing attention from both aviation personnel and security agencies. Officials confirmed that the fighter jet was unarmed and posed no security threat. The Indian Air Force and civil aviation authorities were promptly alerted and coordinated with UK defense officials to arrange refueling and security measures. The British defense team aboard the carrier reportedly remained in constant contact with both the pilot and Indian authorities throughout the ordeal. The aircraft is expected to return to its carrier once weather conditions at sea stabilize. This marks a rare instance of a foreign military aircraft landing at an Indian civilian airport during peacetime and underlines the strong cooperation between Indian and allied defence forces operating in the region. (With inputs from agencies)
Online Citizen
04-06-2025
- Online Citizen
Man to be charged over bomb hoax made aboard flight at Changi Airport
A 22-year-old man will be charged on 5 June in Singapore for allegedly making a bomb threat while onboard a flight preparing to depart from Changi Airport. The man had allegedly posted the threat on social media shortly before takeoff. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers were alerted on 14 February at approximately 7.20pm to a social media post that contained a threat to blow up an aircraft. The post, reportedly made after the man had boarded the aircraft, read: 'no one here knows I'm going to blow the plane up.' Investigations by the Airport Police Division led to the identification of the suspect within an hour of the report. The aircraft, which was taxiing on the runway for departure to Abu Dhabi, was recalled to Changi Airport Terminal 2. The man was arrested onboard the flight. Police confirmed that no threat items were found in his possession and there was no actual means to carry out the threat. The man will be charged under Section 268A of the Penal Code for communicating false information about a harmful thing. If found guilty, he could face up to seven years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both. When contacted by state media CNA, the police declined to disclose the man's nationality. Police stress zero tolerance for false threats The SPF emphasised the seriousness with which all security threats are treated. Assistant Commissioner of Police M Malathi, Commander of the Airport Police Division, said the safety and security of passengers and staff remain the top priority. 'Beyond fear and inconvenience caused, the making of false threats, especially relating to airport and airline operations, involves significant public resources that have to be deployed to deal with the incident,' she stated. 'All security threats will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be tracked down and prosecuted.' Previous bomb threat in October 2024 In a similar incident in October 2024, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two F-15SG fighter jets in response to a bomb threat on an incoming Air India Express flight. The flight, which was bound for Singapore, was safely escorted to Changi Airport where no threats were found upon inspection. That incident was one of several bomb threats made against flights departing from India on 14 and 15 October 2024.
