>> Singapore joins major air exercise
by Derek Yeo - SINGAPORE - 1 August 2006


EXERCISE Pitch Black 2006, Asia-Pacific's biggest multi-nation air exercise, began yesterday in Darwin, Australia. It will end on 6 August 2006.

Air forces of Australia, Britain, Singapore, Thailand and the United States are taking part in the biennial war-games. Some 60 planes from the five nations are participating.

Aircraft types taking part are:
F-5s, F-16s, KC-135Rs and E-2Cs from the Republic of Singapore Air Force;
F/A-18s, F-111s, B-707s, C-130s and AP-3Cs from the Royal Australian Air Force;
F-16s from the Royal Thai Air Force, and an E-3D Airborne Early Warning jet from the Royal Air Force.

Singapore has also deployed I-Hawk and Mistral air defence missiles.

Exercise Pitch Black 2006 allows the five friendly forces to carry out joint training operations under realistic wartime conditions. It sharpens the ability of the various forces to operate together and fosters camaraderie among them.

SOURCE: Ministry of Defence News Release, Republic of Singapore