Exercise "Western Arc"

Viking1 SG

This exercise will take place at the BA115 airbase in Orange, Southern France.

When: From June, 2nd to June 13th

Aicrafts involved:

EC 1/5: Mirage 2000C
EC2/5: Mirage 2000C
Singapore Air Force: F-16C

The Singaporean F-16C will fly to Oange from Canon AFB (USA).

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Maybe there will be some changes in the future and Singapore is considering basing F-16 permanently in France ?

Regards,

foga SG

imo, i dun think so lah.
jus wonderin if RSAF have already decided to purchase french aircraft?

Viper52 SG

Ex Western Arc is part of the original agreement between Singapore and France which also saw the basing of 20 A-4SU/TA-4SUs in France. It was designed to increase interaction between the French and Singaporean Air Forces and sees bilateral exercises between the 2 Air Forces.

FYI theres also an Exercise Eastern Arc, held once every 2 years between the 2 air forces over Singapore. French AF Mirages would come with the French contingent for Asian Aerospace and conduct exercises after the show. 2 have been held so far, in 1998 and 2000. There was one scheduled for 2002 but was cancelled due to post-Sept 11 uncertainties. Not too sure if previous Western Arcs have been held, but I do know 142 Sqn took part in ODAX in S France using 150 Sqn's aircraft before.

spencer99 SG

Maybe the RSAF want to evaluate how the F-16Cs will work together with the French Aircraft.

Joe Black SG

Yap, plus a good time to evaluate the Vipers against Mirage 2000s and maybe the Rafales (if they get lucky). It is also good to learn French ACM tactics which they have claimed many skulls when the French pitched "battles" using their Rafales against the USN Super bugs and Tomcats.

It will also be an experience for the RSAF pilots who have to fly some 5 or more hours across continental USA, and another 5 plus hours to France across the Alantic.

LaserGod SG

they are going to see how the F16 fare against the French Mirage, from a sources, it says that SG is considering buying the newer version of the Mirage

duotiga83 SG

i thought the 'mirage' rsaf interested is Rafale onli, got 1 more? Shocked m2k-5mk2? sounds weird..... Confused

Arena SG

where did you get your info from?

duotiga83 SG

onli send the C version? D version no send?

Moonstriker SG

har? singapore getting mirage?! i tot only Rafale?

Viking1 SG

The Mirage 2000D is a strike aircraft, not suitable for ACM.

There won't be any Rafale either. The only operational Rafale are Navy not Air Force and they are very busy qualifying pilots for the CDG airwing.

On a sidenote, the Air Force recently received its first Rafale F2 with lots of a2g modes but the OSF was stil missing. First operational squadron is still scheduled for early 2006.

Regards,

duotiga83 SG

i mean our viper D version...anyway thnkx