24-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) The Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Mohd Asghar Khan, held a significant meeting with Singapore’s Defence Minister, Ng Eng Hen, on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in reinforcing the enduring and warm defence relationship between the two nations, as declared by the Ministry of Defence.
General Asghar, during his two-day introductory visit to Singapore, engaged in a series of strategic engagements. On Tuesday morning, he was accorded the opportunity to visit Changi Air Base (East), where he had the chance to inspect a static display of the formidable F-15SG fighter aircraft.
The following day, General Asghar commenced his schedule by conducting an inspection of a guard of honour at the Ministry of Defence. Subsequently, he held discussions with Chief of Defence Force Aaron Beng and Chief of Air Force Kelvin Khong.
In a significant afternoon meeting with Defence Minister Ng, both leaders underscored the paramount importance of nurturing robust ties between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the RMAF. They also deliberated on strategies to bolster defence collaboration, particularly in addressing shared security challenges prevalent in the region.
Over the years, the RSAF and the RMAF have cultivated a profound understanding and professional camaraderie through a spectrum of activities, including professional exchanges, reciprocal visits, specialized training courses, fighter landaways, and joint search-and-rescue exercises such as Sarex Malsing, as noted by Mindef.
It’s worth mentioning that fighter landaways, where aircraft briefly touch down on the airstrips of partner nations, have historically served as a significant element of professional exchange and a symbol of camaraderie.
Both air forces have also actively engaged in collaborative efforts within multilateral frameworks, notably within the Five Power Defence Arrangements, a pivotal component of the regional security architecture.
