JDW
RSAF inaugurates training base
Singapore inaugurated new facilities at its advanced jet training
(AJT) base on 24 July in Cazaux, France, where operations have been
conducted since 1998.
The facilities comprise an aircraft maintenance hanger and a
squadron building to house a command post. Their development was
managed by Singapore's state-run Defense Science and Technology
Agency.
"There will be many more generations of [Republic of Singapore air
Force, RSAF] pilots who will grow up from this nesting ground and
graduate as the future fighter pilots of the RSAF." Chief of the
RSAF Maj Gen Lim Kim Choon said at the opening ceremony.
Singapore's AJT base at Cazaux, near Bordeaux, was launched through
a January 1998 bilateral training agreement( JDW 18 Feb
199
. Ten A-4Su Super
Skyhawk ground-attack aircraft were deployed there in June 1998
under 150 Squadron, and this number rose to 20 by the following
May. The base reportedly houses 387 RSAF pilot trainees,
instructors, administrative staff and their families.
The RSAF also maintains training facilities in Australia,
Indonesia, and the USA, and reportedly, Taiwan. Other co-operation
with the French Air Force includes Exercise "Eastern Arc", which
was conducted in Singapore in 1998 and 2000 and should see RSAF
F-16 deployed to France next year.
Details of the bilateral agreement which saw the RSAF establish its
AJT base at Cauzaux have not been released, including its cost and
duration. However, construction of new facilities to support
operations there suggest a long-term commitment.
Robert Karniol
JDW Asia Pacific Editor, Bangkok
