Article Posted on : - Sep 20, 2013

The F-15SG fighter of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. An RSAF Photo

SINGAPORE (BNS): The F-15SG all-weather attack aircraft fleet in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has achieved full operational capability.

Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen officiated at a ceremony to mark the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the F-15SG multi-role fighters at the Paya Lebar Air Base on Sept 18.

The advanced fighter planes are operated by the RSAF's 149 Squadron.

Singapore had signed a contract with the US Government in 2005 to acquire 12 F-15SG fighters. The 149 Squadron began operating the F-15SGs in 2010.

The warplanes, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, a sophisticated integrated sensor suite and network capabilities, will help enhance the RSAF's battlefield awareness.

Along with its superior firepower and combat endurance, the aircraft provides the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) with enhanced air defence and air superiority capabilities, the Defence Ministry said.

The F-15SG is an advanced variant of the F-15 Eagle. The fighter aircraft is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and a sophisticated integrated sensor suite which includes an active electronically scanned array radar and a third-generation SNIPER targeting pod.

The weapons mounted on the aircraft include M-61A1 20mm Gatling gun, AIM-9X supersonic air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missiles and laser-guided bombs.

The aircraft also has a state-of-the-art cockpit and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System for increased situational awareness and enhanced air-to-air and self-defense capabilities.