20-3-2024 (SINGAPORE) The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is currently participating in Exercise Cope Tiger 2024, a trilateral air exercise with the air forces of Thailand and the United States. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the exercise, which aims to enhance professionalism and defense relations among the three nations.
The RSAF has contributed 27 aircraft, eight ground-based air defense systems, and over 700 personnel to the exercise, according to the Ministry of Defence (Mindef). The exercise, which began on March 18 and will continue until March 28, is taking place at Korat Air Base in Thailand.
Exercise Cope Tiger 2024 involves a total of 77 assets and more than 2,000 personnel from Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. Notably, this year’s exercise includes the participation of the RSAF’s H225M medium-lift helicopters and the US Air Force’s F-35A fighter aircraft for the first time.
The exercise will focus on air defense and strike missions in a challenging environment, providing an opportunity for the participating air forces to sharpen their operational competencies. Additionally, personnel from the three nations will engage with local communities and schools near the Korat Air Base and Chandy Range as part of outreach programs.
Colonel Sebastian Chai, the RSAF’s exercise director, highlighted the significance of this year’s Exercise Cope Tiger as it marks three decades since its inception. He emphasized the strong commitment of the three air forces to this trilateral relationship and the positive impact the exercise has had on professionalism, defense relations, and mutual understanding among personnel.
Col Chai further explained the importance of the exercise for the RSAF, stating that the large training airspace in Thailand allows for realistic, high-end, large force employment training that cannot be replicated in Singapore. He also emphasized the opportunity for interaction and learning from the Royal Thai Air Force and the US Air Force, which strengthens defense relations with these partners.
The closing ceremony of Exercise Cope Tiger 2024, scheduled for March 29, will be officiated by Brigadier-General Kelvin Fan, Singapore’s incoming Chief of Air Force, along with Air Chief Marshal Punpakdee Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, and General Kevin B. Schneider, Commander of Pacific Air Forces.
