Singapore, Thailand and US air forces hold exercise to enhance readiness
06:49, 19/03/2025, Wednesday
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Second phase of trilateral exercise began on March 17 and is set to conclude on March 28
The air forces of Singapore, Thailand, and US held a large-scale military exercise to enhance combat readiness and operational effectiveness, The Straits Times reported on Tuesday.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) said on Tuesday that it is participating in the 31st edition of “Exercise Cope Tiger” with its 26 aircraft, more than 700 personnel and 10 ground-based air defense systems.
The first phase of the trilateral exercise – a command post exercise – took place from Dec. 17 to 19, 2024, at the Changi Naval Base in Singapore.
The second phase, a flying training exercise at Korat Air Base and Chandy Range in Thailand, began on March 17 and is set to conclude on March 28.
Participants in the exercise are also involved in a two-day socio-civic program to engage with local communities and schools around Korat Air Base and Chandy Range.
RSAF's exercise director Col. Benjamin Lee Yew Chern said that the exercise allows Singapore to “execute air defence, strike and UAV operations to enhance our combat readiness and operational capabilities.”
“The long-standing nature of the exercise is also testament to the strong defense relationship and cooperation among the three participating countries,” he added.
Meanwhile, Royal Thai Air Force said on Facebook: “The objective of the exercise is to enhance the capabilities of participating air and air defense units and to improve the ability to conduct combined air operations.”
The closing ceremony for the exercise will be held on March 28, and will be co-officiated by Singapore's Chief of Air Force Maj. Gen. Kelvin Fan Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, and US Commander of Fifth Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, Lt. Gen. Stephen F. Jost.
Held since 1994, Exercise Cope Tiger aims to strengthen professionalism and defense relations among Singapore, Thailand, and the United States, while fostering closer rapport and mutual understanding between their personnel.
