The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) recently held an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the RSAF Pearce Detachment, which has graduated more than 1,000 aircrew and achieved over 200,000 flying hours, since training commenced in 1993. 

RSAF Commanding Officer of 130 Squadron Lieutenant Colonel Goh Seow Hong said the milestone symbolized the strength and depth of the bilateral defence relationship between Australia and Singapore, and the ties between the nations’ air forces. “All pilots in RSAF today would have passed through 130 Squadron at the Pearce Detachment in the course of their training.” 

“We’re both going after innovations and technology that allow us to achieve greater capability, and with us partnering into the Pilatus PC-21 system, we are going to make it even better together,” said Commander Air Force Training Group Air Commodore David Strong. 

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and RSAF also run an exchange program of Qualified Flying Instructors, which runs regularly between the RAAF’s 2 Flying Training School and RSAF’s 130 Squadron. 

The RSAF Pearce Detachment was formed in March 1993 when a Memorandum of Understanding was inked between the Singapore and Australian governments.

The RSAF Pearce Detachment is comprised of 130 Squadron and the Standards Squadron which train pilots, weapon systems officers, and flying instructors on Pilatus PC-21s based at RAAF Base Pearce.