145 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force
Encyclopedia
The 145 Squadron "Hornet" is a strike fighter squadron of the Republic of Singapore Air Force
based currently at Changi Airbase (East)
which is a new airbase
, opened in 2004, to the east of Singapore Changi Airport
on reclaimed land. With the hornet
as its motif, the squadron's motto
is "Swift & Valiant".
and later, the locally upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawk, along with her sister squadron, the 142 Squadron. When the A-4SU was retired from active combat service, however, 142 Squadron was disbanded, while the 145 Squadron was retained to operate the newly upgraded F-16Ds from the new air base, an unsurprising decision considering the fact that the 145 Squadron has emerged as the best fighter squadron for five consecutive years since the year 2000 in the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
.
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...
based currently at Changi Airbase (East)
Changi Airbase (East)
Changi Air Base , or Changi East Complex is a new facility extending the facilities of Changi Air Base, the existing facilities hence renamed Changi Air Base . Built on 2 square kilometre site of reclaimed land, the new base is located approximately 2 kilometres east of Singapore Changi Airport and...
which is a new airbase
Airbase
An airbase is a military airfield that provides basing and support of military aircraft....
, opened in 2004, to the east of Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport
Singapore Changi Airport , Changi International Airport, or simply Changi Airport, is the main airport in Singapore. A major aviation hub in Southeast Asia, it is about north-east from the commercial centre in Changi, on a site....
on reclaimed land. With the hornet
Hornet
Hornets are the largest eusocial wasps; some species can reach up to in length. The true hornets make up the genus Vespa and are distinguished from other vespines by the width of the vertex , which is proportionally larger in Vespa and by the anteriorly rounded gasters .- Life cycle :In...
as its motif, the squadron's 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...
is "Swift & Valiant".
History
First formed in 1984 at Tengah Air Base, the squadron flew the A-4S SkyhawkA-4 Skyhawk
The Douglas A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps. The delta winged, single-engined Skyhawk was designed and produced by Douglas Aircraft Company, and later McDonnell Douglas. It was originally designated the A4D...
and later, the locally upgraded A-4SU Super Skyhawk, along with her sister squadron, the 142 Squadron. When the A-4SU was retired from active combat service, however, 142 Squadron was disbanded, while the 145 Squadron was retained to operate the newly upgraded F-16Ds from the new air base, an unsurprising decision considering the fact that the 145 Squadron has emerged as the best fighter squadron for five consecutive years since the year 2000 in the annual Singapore Armed Forces Best Unit Competition
Singapore 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...
.
New role
The twenty aircraft of the squadron are upgraded versions of the F-16D Block 52, hence known as the Block 52+ or F-16D+, are equipped with state-of-the-art Conformal Fuel Tanks, an enhanced radar with greater detection range and improved mapping capabilities, and an improved targeting pod, this enables the squadron to conduct precision day and night operations at a greater combat range and duration. This fact makes it a unique squadron within the RSAF as all its aircraft are tandem seaters and every mission is flown with a Pilot and Weapon System Officer (WSO.)Aircraft operated
- 16× T/A-4SU Super Skyhawks (1984 - 2004)
- 20× F-16D+ Fighting Falcons (2004 - present)