RSAF deploys to Australia

On 7 October 2020, four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15SG Strike Eagles took off just before 09:00 hrs LT from Paya Lebar Air Base (Singapore) on their way to RAAF Base Darwin (Australia).

The Strike Eagles, serials 8312, 8318, 8320 and 8328, are all operated by 149 Squadron Shikra. They will use the vast space in Australia for flight and live weapons training, according to Australia's Department of Defence. The deployment will last until 11 December 2020.

The jets were accompanied by two RSAF A330MRTTs from 112 Squadron, serials 760 and 763, which will provide tanker support and a Lockheed C-130H Hercules transport aircraft from 122 Squadron Condor (serial 735). In addition, a G550 Nachshon Aitam from 111 Squadron Jaeger will join the force in Darwin by the end of October, together with around 200 servicemen.

From our friends with Aviation Spotters Online we received the information that the Strike Eagles were the first to arrive at RAAF Base Darwin amid a tropical downpour that saw the lead aircraft perform a missed approach before all safely landed and taxied to the OLAs. After performing some holding patterns to allow the weather to improve, the two MRTTs landed on a wet Runway 29, in much clearer conditions.

Photos: Hans Jacobs