140 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force
Encyclopedia
The 140 Squadron "Osprey" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon
of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto
"Stand Firm in Defence" with the Osprey adopted as its mascot.
s aircraft in July 1970. The Hawker Hunters served faithfully for twenty years, after which they were replaced by the F-16A/B
s in 1990. These were, in turn, replaced by newer F-16C/Ds in 2000 and were subsequently transferred to Royal Thai Air Force
the same year.
for the Air Force, having emerged as the Best Fighter Squadron since the competition's inception back in 1985. Namely: 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006 & 2007.
Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the air arm of the Singapore Armed Forces. It was first established in 1968 as the Singapore Air Defence Command...
currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Air Base, the squadron goes by the motto
Motto
A motto is a phrase meant to formally summarize the general motivation or intention of a social group or organization. A motto may be in any language, but Latin is the most used. The local language is usual in the mottoes of governments...
"Stand Firm in Defence" with the Osprey adopted as its mascot.
History
The Squadron was set up in February 1970 as Singapore's first Air Defence Fighter Squadron and received their first aircraft - two refurbished Hawker HunterHawker Hunter
The Hawker Hunter is a subsonic British jet aircraft developed in the 1950s. The single-seat Hunter entered service as a manoeuvrable fighter aircraft, and later operated in fighter-bomber and reconnaissance roles in numerous conflicts. Two-seat variants remained in use for training and secondary...
s aircraft in July 1970. The Hawker Hunters served faithfully for twenty years, after which they were replaced by the F-16A/B
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force . Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,400 aircraft have been built since...
s in 1990. These were, in turn, replaced by newer F-16C/Ds in 2000 and were subsequently transferred to Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
the same year.
Achievements
140 Squadron is also a consistent winner in the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit CompetitionSingapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
The Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition is an annual competition which confers awards of recognition to the most outstanding units of the Singapore Armed Forces in combat readiness, operational proficiency and administrative excellence...
for the Air Force, having emerged as the Best Fighter Squadron since the competition's inception back in 1985. Namely: 1986, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2006 & 2007.
Aircraft operated
- 46× Hawker Hunters (1970 - 1992)
- 8× F-16A/B Fighting Falcons (1990 - 2004)
- 12× F-16C/D Fighting Falcons (2003 - present)