The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is taking part in a large-scale air exercise with the air forces of Thailand and the United States to enhance its combat readiness and operational capabilities.

The RSAF said on March 18 that it has 26 aircraft, 10 ground-based air defence systems and more than 700 personnel participating in the 31st edition of Exercise Cope Tiger.

The first phase of the trilateral exercise – a command post exercise – was held on Dec 17 to 19, 2024, at the Multinational Operations and Exercise Centre at Changi Naval Base.

The second phase – a flying training exercise at Korat Air Base and Chandy Range in Thailand – began on March 17 and would end on March 28.

Exercise participants are also taking part in a two-day socio-civic programme to engage the local communities and schools around Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.

Colonel Benjamin Lee Yew Chern, RSAF’s exercise director, said Exercise Cope Tiger “allows us to execute air defence, strike and UAV operations to enhance our combat readiness and operational capabilities”.

“The longstanding nature of the exercise is also a testament to the strong defence relationship and cooperation among the three participating countries,” he added

The closing ceremony will be held on March 28.

It will be co-officiated by Singapore’s Chief of Air Force, Major-General Kelvin Fan; Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul; and the US Commander of Fifth Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Lieutenant-General Stephen F. Jost.

Since it began in 1994, Exercise Cope Tiger has been enhancing the professionalism and defence relations between Singapore, Thailand and the US, and promoting closer rapport and mutual understanding among their personnel, said Mindef.

— In association with Asia News Network