Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to inaugurate the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) new Advanced Jet Trainer, the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 aircraft, into 150 Squadron at Cazaux Air Base in France this afternoon (Singapore time).
The RSAF acquired the M-346 aircraft in 2010 as part of the Advanced Jet Trainer programme to replace the A-4SU Super Skyhawk, and took delivery of the first aircraft in 2012. To date, 150 Squadron has received the full fleet of 12 M-346 aircraft.
In addition to marking a significant milestone in the RSAF's training transformation journey, the inauguration of the M-346 aircraft into 150 Squadron also underscores the importance of the RSAF's overseas training in honing its operational readiness and professionalism, and in enhancing both professional and personal interactions with other armed forces. The RSAF's training in France, which began in 1998, has also enhanced the strong and broad-based defence relationship between France and Singapore. (Singapore MinDef)