The Singapore Ministry of Defense has announced that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is participating in Exercise Red Flag – Nellis in the United States.

The multilateral air combat exercise runs from March 7-18, 2022 at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

During the exercise, participating air forces will conduct a series of air-to-air and air-to-ground training missions to improve their combat skills.

The RSAF contingent will include nine F-16C/D fighter jets and more than 100 personnel from the Peace Carvin II Detachment at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona.

Separately, the exercise will also include F-15SA fighter jets from the Royal Saudi Air Force and F-15E, F-16C, EA-18G fighter jets and B-1 bombers from the USAF.

A total of approximately 55 aircraft will participate in complex mission scenarios that will take place day and night.

The USAF contingent is expected to include approximately 1,750 personnel.

In a statement, the Singapore Ministry of Defense said: “The RSAF has been participating in Exercise Red Flag – Nellis since 1982.

“The RSAF’s participation in the exercise underscores the excellent, long-standing defense relationship between Singapore and the United States.

“The exercise also enhances professionalism and cooperation between participating forces and provides the RSAF with the opportunity to benchmark itself against other forward air forces.”

In a separate statement, Col. Jared Hutchinson, commanding officer of the USAF’s 414th Combat Training Squadron, said, “Red Flag allows us and our allies to play in scenarios to prepare for the case. where we would be called upon to engage an even level opponent in combat.

“They will be able to build on the experience they have gained in this exercise and avoid making mistakes in real situations.”

Last year, the RSAF received the first H225M twin-engine helicopter.