Air forces of Singapore and Indonesia successfully conclude bilateral exercises

The air forces of Singapore and Indonesia have concluded their bilateral exercises with a combined closing ceremony in Lombok. 

Singapore's Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Meng and Indonesian Air Force's Deputy Chief of Staff Air Marshal Dede Rusamsi co-officiated at the ceremony this afternoon.

A Defence Ministry statement says the air forces took part in two exercises in recent weeks. 

Exercise Elang Indopura, the 17th in the series, was conducted in two phases. 

The first phase, a command post exercise, was held in Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore from 17 to 18 Oct 12. 

The second phase, an air manoeuvre exercise, was held in Lombok from 19 to 30 Nov 12. 

More than 150 personnel from both countries participated in the exercise. 

Six F-5S/T fighter aircraft from Singapore and four Hawk 109/209 fighter aircraft from Indonesia were deployed. 

Exercise Camar Indopura, the 20th in the series, was held from 27 to 30 Nov 2012. 

A two-day joint socio-civic programme was conducted in conjunction with both exercises. 

An Singapore military medical-dental team, together with their Indonesian military counterparts, provided medical and dental services to the local community on 28 and 29 Nov 12. 

The statement says the exercises underscore the strong and close defence relationship between Singapore and Indonesia. 

They also serve to boost the professionalism of the two air forces, as well as enhance mutual understanding and closer relations between the two air forces.