October 27, 2000 (by Lieven Dewitte) -
Singapore's Air Force now has more muscle and firepower. The Republic of Singapore Air Force's 143 Squadron now flies 10 state-of-the-art fighter jets - the F-16 Fighter Falcon multi-role fighter.
A simple ceremony on 27 Oct 2000, marked this new milestone in the RSAF's history. The event was officiated by Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, at Tengah Air Base.
Previously, 143 Squadron operated the A-4SU Super Skyhawk. The squadron was set up in 1975 at Changi Air Base with nine A-4 Skyhawk fighter-bombers and 13 pilots. It re-located to Tengah Air Base later that year. Today, the squadron flies the single-seat C and double-seat D models of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. This change in aircraft type is another step in the continual modernisation of the RSAF. The F-16 is also fitted with the low-aititude navigation and targeting infra-red for night (LANTIRN) system that allows it to attack ground targets at low levels under all weather conditions.
