Public Road Converted Into Alternate Runway

30 November 2008

A F-16C taking off from the alternate runway during the Alternate Runway Exercise (photo : Mindef)

This morning, more than 10 Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) aircraft executed a series of take-offs and landings on Lim Chu Kang Road as part of an exercise. Lim Chu Kang Road was converted into an alternate runway by the RSAF's Air Power Generation Command (APGC) for an exercise involving the RSAF's F-5 and F-16 fighter aircraft, and E-2C airborne early warning aircraft.

The exercise highlighted the RSAF's operational readiness and its ability to deliver air power continuously. The APGC is responsible for generating and sustaining effective air power under the 3rd Generation RSAF and is a key enabler in the conversion of a major public road into an alternate runway. This exercise also demonstrated the close coordination and cooperation between the RSAF and other civil agencies.


The E-2C taking off from the alternate runway (photo : Mindef)

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen and Minister of State for Defence Koo Tsai Kee witnessed the exercise. Also present were members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), community leaders and defence attaches.

This is the sixth time since 1986 that the RSAF has tested its ability to use a major public road for the launch and recovery of its aircraft.

(Mindef)