Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan, and Australia's Defence Minister, Mr John Moore, jointly officiated at the opening ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Helicopter Detachment in Australia this afternoon, 20 Aug 99. The detachment is based at the Australian Army Aviation Centre (AAAC) in Oakey, Queensland.
This event marks the successful implementation of the Oakey Agreement, signed between the two countries in October 1996. Under the Agreement, the RSAF can deploy up to 12 Super Pumas along with 250 personnel and family members for 15 years at Oakey. The detachment arrived in Oakey last September. Today, the detachment has 12 Super Pumas and about 160 RSAF personnel and their family members. The facilities at Oakey were constructed at a cost of about A$20 million. Maintenance of the RSAF's helicopters is provided by Bristow Helicopter Australia (BHA).
Over the last year, the Singaporean detachment has established an excellent working relationship with the AAAC and has integrated well into the local community. The RSAF appreciates the support given by the local community as well as Australian Army to the detachment, and the opportunities for professional interactions.
Singapore and Australia enjoy a close and strong defence relationship. The close relations between the two armed forces reflect the warm and friendly ties between the two countries. The two defence establishments and armed forces cooperate in many areas for mutual benefit. These include participation in bilateral and multilateral exercises, professional exchanges, and SAF training in Australia. Besides Oakey, the RSAF operates a Flying Training School at RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force), Pearce in Western Australia. In addition, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) trains regularly in the Shoalwater Bay Training Area and Amberley in Queensland, and Darwin. The training opportunities for the SAF in Australia are invaluable and help enhance the professionalism and operational readiness of the SAF.
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