India-Singapore joint military training this month

Kalaikunda (PTI) - With an aim of
increasing mutual operational understanding, India and
Singapore will hold joint military training activities at the
Air Force base here next month.
Starting from October 14, the Air Force base at
Kalaikunda will host the seventh IAF-RSAF (Republic of
Singapore Air Force) JMT activities for 30 days, defence
sources said.
While the RSAF detachment, comprising 150 personnel,
will deploy eight F-16 D+ aircraft, one P STAR radar and two
units of RBS-70 surface-to-air missile firing units, the IAF
will field Mig-27 and Mig-21 aircraft of the resident
squadrons operational at the airbase.
The RSAF pilots will also carry out air-to-ground firing
practice at the IAF's Dudhkundi firing range, 40 km from the
airbase, and will also carry out night flying training at the
airbase for the first time, the sources said.
First held in 2006, the JMT is aimed at increasing
mutual operational understanding and refine procedures for
future joint exercises between the two countries.
"The training will lead to 'exchange of best practices'
on all professional aspects," the sources said.
Noting that infrastructure at Kalaikunda airbase has
been well developed, the sources claimed that it has become an
airfield of choice for hosting major international air
exercises in recent years.
Among the oldest airfields under the Eastern Air
Command, the Kalaikunda airfield came into existence during
World War II as a forward airfield against the Japanese
conquest of Malaya and Burma.
The airbase, which once hosted the American heavy bomber
B-24 Liberator, was also one of the four B-29 Super Fortress
bases of the US Air Force in India.
Kalaikunda has also served as a base for several IAF
aircraft including Mystere, Canberras, Toofani, Hunter, Gnat,
Packet, Vampires, Mig-21 and Mig-27.