18-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) Singapore’s Defence Minister, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, has confirmed that there was no “malicious intent” behind the incident involving a Malaysia-registered civilian helicopter that entered Singaporean airspace on August 9. This occurrence had prompted the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to scramble two F-16 fighter jets.
In a written response to a question from MP Joan Pereira (PAP-Tanjong Pagar), Dr. Ng explained that the helicopter had been contracted to capture photographs of a Malaysia-registered oil rig during its transport from Pasir Gudang to Miri, Sarawak. However, due to a navigation error, the helicopter mistakenly entered Singapore’s airspace without proper authorization.
Dr. Ng emphasized that after a thorough assessment, authorities concluded that there was no malicious intent behind the incident.
The Defence Minister provided additional details about the incident, stating that the helicopter took off from Senai Airport in Johor and was en route to Pengerang. During its flight path, the helicopter transited the Changi Control Zone and entered Singapore’s territorial airspace without prior notification.
Singapore Air Traffic Control had not received any flight plan for the helicopter’s unauthorized entry into the airspace. In line with standard operating procedures for dealing with unidentified aircraft that could pose potential threats, two RSAF F-16 fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the helicopter, which entered Singapore territorial airspace at 12.37 pm.
Dr. Ng continued, “The helicopter pilot was instructed to keep clear of Singapore territorial airspace and to operate eastwards outside Singapore’s territorial airspace.”
The helicopter left Singapore’s territorial airspace at 1.03 pm, and the RSAF F-16s were stood down at 2.05 pm after confirming there were no further security threats.
While the helicopter’s presence in the Changi Control Zone did not pose an immediate threat to civilian air traffic safety, the unauthorized entry led to the closure of airspace around Changi Airport. Consequently, 36 arriving flights and eight departing flights at Changi Airport experienced delays.
