The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has announced the arrival of US Air Force F-22 Raptors in Singapore on August 21 for a joint training exercise over the South China Sea.
The Raptors, from the US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), will participate in a series of exercises over the next few days alongside Singapore’s F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft.
According to the RSAF statement on Facebook, the training will take place in the southern reaches of the contentious South China Sea, specifically within international airspace.
The focal point of this collaboration is Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT), a practice where pilots engage in simulated combat with aircraft different from their own.
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This type of training is essential for equipping pilots for actual combat situations, as it offers a valuable understanding of the performance traits, advantages, and limitations of different aircraft models.
By simulating these engagements, pilots can develop strategies to counter different types of adversary aircraft they might encounter in combat situations.
In addition to the DACT, the F-22s will conduct aerial refueling exercises with Singapore’s A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft. These exercises are crucial for enhancing fighter jets’ operational range and endurance, allowing them to remain in the air for extended periods during missions.
Images released by the RSAF show at least two F-22 Raptors on the tarmac, although the specific location was not disclosed. The RSAF did not reveal the base of origin of these aircraft, and the exact duration of their stay in Singapore also remains unspecified.
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However, the training is expected to provide valuable tactical insights for the RSAF and PACAF aircrews, enhancing their readiness and interoperability.
The deployment of the F-22s, a fifth-generation fighter jet known for its stealth capabilities and advanced sensor suite, comes amid ongoing tensions in the region.
The South China Sea has been a hotspot of maritime disputes, particularly between China and the Philippines, a US security ally.
The US has conducted several military exercises in the region to demonstrate its commitment to support Manila, especially after a series of close encounters between Chinese and Philippine aircraft and vessels.
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Although Singapore does not assert ownership over any portion of the contested waters, it is strongly interested in preserving freedom of navigation and ensuring the enforcement of international law in the South China Sea, an essential pathway for global trade.
US Air Force Expands F-22 Raptor’s Deployment
The recent deployment of the US Air Force F-22 Raptors underscores a broader strategy of demonstrating advanced fifth-generation airpower across critical regions in the Indo-Pacific.
This latest operation forms part of a sustained effort by the United States to showcase its air dominance and deter regional adversaries, particularly China, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Over the past two months, the United States has strategically deployed these cutting-edge fighter jets at key air bases throughout the Indo-Pacific region. The aim is to exhibit American airpower in contested areas such as the South China Sea and to reassure allies while countering China’s growing influence.
The Raptors, assigned to the Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, were forward deployed to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, earlier this year to ensure a consistent fighter presence in the region, as reported by the EurAsian Times.
In July, the United States deployed F-22 Raptors in Exercise Pitch Black 2024 (held in Australia from July 12 to August 2, 2024), marking the fighter jets’ inaugural participation in this exercise.
After their involvement in the Australian exercise, the F-22s traveled to Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 6 to 10. Their tour also featured dynamic force employment operations en route to Kadena Air Base in Japan.
The deployment’s highlights include several firsts and strategic milestones. On August 6, four F-22s landed at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Force Base in Indonesia. That visit marked the first time these fifth-generation fighters had been stationed in the archipelagic nation.
The aircraft conducted a rapid “hot pit” refueling, which allows refueling while the engines are still running, demonstrating operational efficiency.
Subsequently, the Raptors arrived at Rimba Air Force Base in Brunei on August 7. Their visit included a three-day tour that ended on August 8 and featured capability demonstrations and static displays.
Notably, this was only the second instance of American fifth-generation fighters visiting Brunei, following the earlier arrival of F-35 Lightning IIs in March.
The final leg of the Raptors’ tour took them to the Philippines from August 8 to 9. They landed at Basa Air Base and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, where two Raptors engaged in bilateral integration exercises with the Philippine Air Force’s FA-50 fighters.
Basa Air Base, recently renovated, often accommodated American fighter jets during Cope Thunder exercises (Cope Thunder-Philippines 2024, a bilateral fighter training operation, ended on April 19, 2024, at Basa Air Base) designed to enhance cooperation between US and Philippine forces. It’s worth noting that F-22s first landed in the Philippines in March 2023.
Throughout these deployments, the Raptors were supported by C-130 cargo aircraft that transported essential parts and personnel, emphasizing the logistical coordination necessary for such operations.
Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines are strategically crucial nations along the South China Sea, and the US Air Force has been working to strengthen ties with these countries through various deployments and exercises.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to build partnerships and address China’s increasing influence in the region. These deployments highlight that the F-22 Raptor remains a strong emblem of American air dominance.
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