Indo-Singapore joint training (AF) concludes

The eighth Indo-Singapore Joint Military Training (JMT) between Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), held annually at Air Force Station, Kalaikunda, West Bengal, concluded on Friday. The JMT earlier began on October 16. 

The JMT held under a bilateral agreement signed between the two countries help both Air Forces gain greater understanding of each other’s concept of operations. The first JMT was held in 2006. 

IAF Su-30 MKI and MiG-27 aircraft participated together with RSAF F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcons during the six week, day-night joint drills. The RSAF detachment comprised 30 officers and 87 personnel. The RSAF Fighting Falcons have flown back to Singapore today in the morning, said Air Officer Commanding, Air Commodore R Radhish from Kalaikunda. 

Besides the air exercises, IAF-RSAF personnel also participated in cultural and sports activities. Among the senior dignitaries who visited the base during the exercise included RSAF Chief of Air Force (CAF), Major General Ng Chee Meng and Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command, Air Marshal S Varthaman. 

Thanking IAF officers and men of Air Force Station, Kalaikunda for hosting a wonderful visit, the RSAF CAF during his visit in October remarked: "I look forward to many more years of friendship and exchanges." 

With the regular participation in multi-national exercises abroad as well as hosting similar exercises at home, IAF has gained valuable experience and is fast maturing as a strategic force. 

IAF's professionalism is evident from the keen interest shown by several other air forces to exercise with the IAF. Air Force Station, Kalaikunda with infrastructure of international standards has also become an air base of choice for hosting international exercises. 

Air Forces of the USA, France and the UK are among the other countries that have participated in international exercises at this premiere IAF airbase.