F-16, Su-30MKI Face Off During Singapore-India Joint Military Exercise

Singapore has deployed six F-16 fighters for a joint military exercise with the Indian Air Force’s four Su-30MKIs held from Nov 12 to Dec 17 at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India.

The Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise saw air assets from both countries involved in mission-oriented training, as well as and air combat 'dogfight' training. The exercise involves more than 100 Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) personnel.

"The Joint Military Training provides an excellent opportunity for both air forces to enhance our operational competencies by learning from each other," Lieutenant Colonel Ong Teck Koon, the RSAF Detachment Commander was quoted as saying by Asia One. "It is a testament to the warm and long-standing relationship that the RSAF shares with the IAF".

The JMT between Singapore and India is conducted under the ambit of a bilateral Agreement signed between both air forces in 2007 and subsequently renewed in 2012. It is set to expire in 2017.

The two air forces also interact regularly through professional exchanges, visits, and cross-attendance of courses, Singapore’s Defense Ministry said in a statement today.