Singapore scrambles F-16s to investigate ‘aircraft of interest’

A Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 aircraft. The service scrambled two airframes on 12 February in response to an aircraft of interest. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) scrambled two of its F-16s on 12 February after the service detected an “aircraft of interest”, the country’s Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) has confirmed.

In response to questions from Janes, MINDEF disclosed that two F-16s took off from the Tengah Air Base at about 1449 h local time on 12 February to investigate the aircraft. The day was largely observed as a public holiday in Singapore, as part of the major Chinese New Year break that began on 10 February.

“After ensuring no compromise to Singapore’s security and interests, the F-16s were subsequently stood down,” MINDEF said. The ministry did not disclose any other details regarding the incident, including where the “aircraft of interest” was observed to have been coming from.

However, Janes can confirm that the F-16s took off from Tengah Air Base with two live AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) rounds and two live AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missile rounds.

Janes