Republic of Singapore Air Force

摘要

Singapore has one of the best equipped armed forces in the world. For a population of 5.61 million covering an area of just 721km~2 that's quite a feat. Located in the middle of the Asia Pacific, the former British colony is surrounded by strategic waterways, where pirates and militants could easily roam and its past differences with its northern neighbour, Malaysia exacerbates the security situation. Assisting Singapore's defence policies is the USA, its strongest ally and closest military partner. The 1990 Memorandum of Understanding between the two allows the US to use facilities in Singapore for 30 years and was extended in October by another 15 years. US Navy vessels including aircraft carriers regularly visit Singapore - a critical node along the Malacca Straits - for logistics and maintenance support. US fighters also regularly deploy to Singapore for Exercise Commando Sling, where they train alongside the RSAF in the South China Sea. The terrorist attacks on Mumbai in 2008 are a stark reminder that ensuring maritime security for ports and surrounding waters should be a priority too.