RSAF deploys to Guam

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed F-15SG Strike Eagles, F-16C/D Fighting Falcons and a G550 Airborne Early Warning (AEW) to Andersen Air Force Base (Guam) for a two-month training detachment.

Six Strike Eagles left on 24 May 2021, with three more on 27 May 2021 together with six F-16s, all departing from Paya Lebar air base and Tengah air base respectively. The RSAF reported that US Navy EA-18G Growlers from VAQ-132 Scorpions ('NL-54x') will also take part in the training exercises.

According to a RSAF spokesperson "Overseas training such as this is important for the RSAF as we face airspace constraints in Singapore, and this training opportunity in Guam is a testament to the trust and cooperation between our armed forces, as well as the excellent and long-standing bilateral defense relations between Singapore and the US.”

The RSAF has been deploying fighter aircraft to Guam for rotational training since 2017. In December 2019, US and Singaporean defense secretaries signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding establishing a RSAF permanent fighter training detachment on Guam, which is expected to be effective by 2029. The training presence will consist of approximately a squadron of aircraft and associated personnel, and include the construction of hangars, aprons, and support facilities.

Photo by Hans Jacobs