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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Debuts and record numbers mark SG60
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Home Team and SAF assets arriving during the mobile column segment at the National Day Parade at the Padang on Aug 9. SINGAPORE - As evening fell upon the Padang, several firsts and record numbers marked the parade and ceremony segment of the 2025 National Day Parade . The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) made its debut in the guard-of-honour contingent, joining the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Singapore Police Force (SPF) at the Padang. In another first, the SAF Volunteer Corps, which featured in the 2019 and 2024 parades in combined contingents, was a full contingent in 2025. Singapore's 60th year of independence was celebrated with the largest assembly of marching contingents in the parade's history, with 2,100 individuals across 40 marching contingents, as a 100-piece combined band – comprising members from the SAF, SPF and schools – set the stage with pomp and circumstance. Embodying the Republic's future were the 10 contingents from uniformed youth organisations such as Girl Guides Singapore and Singapore Red Cross Youth. E-commerce platform Shopee made its maiden NDP appearance alongside 17 other contingents from social and economic groups, symbolising the progress the country has made socially and economically. E-commerce platform Shopee made its maiden NDP appearance alongside 17 other contingents from social and economic groups. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI When Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made his entrance at the parade, his second as the country's leader, the crowd broke out in applause and cheers. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 4 men arrested after police search operation in forested area near Rail Corridor Singapore SAF regular serviceman dies after being found unconscious at Hendon Camp swimming pool: Mindef World Three wounded in shooting in New York's Times Square Singapore Driver taken to hospital after car hits lamp post in Orchard Road Singapore Urban farming, robots, AI exhibitions: Public invited to share ideas for new Science Centre Asia 2 Malaysian tourists critically injured after being set on fire in Bangkok World Trump and Putin to meet on Aug 15 in Alaska Life The crypto bros are back: 'The hubris never really left' Amid the jubilation, a 127-strong choir from Greendale Secondary School and non-profit arts organisation Voices of Singapore reminded the nation to continue pushing forward on The Road Ahead, as they performed a special arrangement of the theme song for the 2021 parade. The crowd erupted into cheers again as President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, also attending his second NDP as the Republic's head of state, arrived at the Padang. Following the flypast of the state flag and the singing of the National Anthem, the Republic of Singapore Air Force's pilots performed an enhanced Salute to the Nation in F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets. Away from the Padang, four 25-pounder Howitzer guns fired off the 21-Gun Presidential Gun Salute as President Tharman inspected the guard-of-honour contingents. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam inspecting the parade. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY The popular mobile column, returning to the Padang for the first time since 2019, was bolstered by air and maritime elements making their debut in the showcase of the Republic's military and civil defence assets. Kicking this off was a multi-axis flypast by six F-15SG fighters, flying past each other before ascending into full after-burner climbs. Six F-15SG fighter jets saluted the nation with a 'bomb burst' manoeuvre and following closely behind were four F-16 jets in a diamond formation. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Other aircraft soaring over the Padang as part of the column included the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport, the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk naval helicopter and four F-16 fighters. Meanwhile, the crowds at Marina Bay were enthralled by maritime vessels such as the navy's autonomous Maritime Security Unmanned Surface Vessel, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore's 15m-long patrol craft and White Swordfish, the SCDF's Rapid Response Fire Vessel. Video screens highlighted the SAF and Home Team's contributions to global security, including on humanitarian missions in quake-hit Myanmar and war-torn Gaza, as well as their coordinated defence capabilities to keep Singapore secure. Closing the mobile column was a video highlighting the stories of men and women from the SAF and Home Team across generations. The generational theme was represented on the ground by 10-year-old Keith Chan joining his father, Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Alex Chan, the mobile column commander, in a Leopard 2SG main battle tank rolling down St Andrew's Road.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Fighter jets form diamonds in the sky in honour of Singapore's diamond jubilee
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Every moment in the airborne showcase of teamwork and technical skill symbolised each of the six decades of Singapore's journey of resilience and unity. SINGAPORE - Eyes turned skywards as the thunder of jet engines shook the air above the packed Padang, which rippled with excitement. Streaks of smoke and the gleam of fighter jets cut through the cloudy skies , as the Republic of Singapore Air Force unleashed its capabilities in an aerial display on Aug 9 at National Day Parade (NDP) 2025. At a couple of key moments, fighter jets shot through the sky in a diamond formation, in honour of Singapore's 60th birthday. Raising the ante, the RSAF staged a multi-axis fly-past for the first time, sending out six F-15SG jets to zoom in from two directions – half from Marina Bay, the other from above the National Gallery – criss-crossing on three different axes. Every moment in the airborne showcase of teamwork and technical skill symbolised each of the six decades of Singapore's journey of resilience and unity. The aerial spectacle kicked off with the iconic State Flag Flypast – a CH-47 heavy lift helicopter carried the Singapore state flag over the Padang, flanked by two AH-64D Apache attack helicopters, as the stirring notes of Majulah Singapura rang out. The aerial spectacle kicked off with the iconic State Flag Flypast. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO Minutes later, six F-15SG fighter jets roared overhead in an arrow-shaped formation as they saluted the nation with a 'bomb burst' manoeuvre – where the aircraft soar upwards before splitting off in different directions, mimicking the explosion of a bomb. Following closely behind were four F-16 jets in a diamond formation. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore 4 men arrested after police search operation in forested area near Rail Corridor Singapore SAF regular serviceman dies after being found unconscious at Hendon Camp swimming pool: Mindef World Three wounded in shooting in New York's Times Square Singapore Driver taken to hospital after car hits lamp post in Orchard Road Singapore Urban farming, robots, AI exhibitions: Public invited to share ideas for new Science Centre Asia 2 Malaysian tourists critically injured after being set on fire in Bangkok World Trump and Putin to meet on Aug 15 in Alaska Life The crypto bros are back: 'The hubris never really left' The F-15SG fighter jets saluted the nation with a 'bomb burst' manoeuvre. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Two specially choreographed aerial displays, done in honour of SG60, wowed the crowd. The first saw six F-15SG jets flying in an arrowhead formation. Then, in unison, the two outermost jets peeled away to rocket in almost-vertical climbs that left a trail of white smoke in the sky, as the remaining four jets held steady in a diamond formation. The second special display featured four F-16 fighters performing a complex diamond cross turn manoeuvre. The jets flew alongside one another in a diamond formation before splitting off in different directions with perfect timing and precision. The action overhead continued during the mobile column segment – the action on land seamlessly integrated for the first time with an aerial flypast featuring 22 aircraft flying in four striking formations. The crowd excitedly waved their flags, as six F-15SG jets thundered in from opposite directions and crossed paths overhead before climbing almost vertically, kicking off the integrated segment. Land vehicles and aircraft took turns to command attention: An array of vehicles from the Singapore Armed Forces and Home Team rumbled on the ground, while an A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport plane, four F-16 fighters, and one G550 airborne early warning aircraft flew above them. Then came the choppers' turn to thrill the audience. An S-70B Seahawk, two Apache attack helicopters, two H225M medium-lift helicopters and a CH-47 heavy lift helicopter made up the helicopter fly-past. An S-70B Seahawk, two Apache attack helicopters, two H225M medium-lift helicopters and a CH-47 heavy lift helicopter made up the helicopter fly-past. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY The aerial segment closed with a transport formation fly-past, featuring two C-130 Hercules aircraft – the same plane that carries the Red Lions parachutists during their iconic free-fall jumps. The aerial segment closed with a transport formation fly-past. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI Typically unseen as these aircraft fly high above the skies, the Hercules planes flew in low alongside two Fokker 50 transport aircraft, giving the audience a close-up view of these workhorses. After the aerial extravaganza ended, generations of servicemen and women rode down St. Andrew's Road in various land vehicles saluting the crowd, marking the start of the evening show.
Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
NDP 2025: Diamond formations, ‘multi-axis' fly-past to headline parade's aerial display
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox SINGAPORE - Every time the Republic of Singapore Air Force fighter jets roar over the Padang for their National Day manoeuvres, Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Iskandar has two things on his mind: keeping Singaporeans safe and maintaining precision every single second. As the lead pilot for three dynamic flight displays involving F-15SG jets, LTC Iskandar explained that his role includes ensuring the jets arrive over the Padang at the exact second they are scheduled to appear. 'The safety of the population is key in everything that we do,' he said, explaining that the jets fly over the Central Business District and the heartland, where there are many people. The displays during the parade on Aug 9 include an enhanced salute to the nation, two special SG60 aerial displays, and, for the first time, a multi-axis fly-past. Military Expert 6 Patrick Wong, deputy chairman of the air participation committee, said that during the salute to the nation, six F-15SG jets will soar over the Padang in an arrow-shaped formation, with four F-16 jets following close behind in a diamond shape, in celebration of the nation's diamond jubilee. The first of two subsequent aerial displays specially prepared for SG60 will showcase six F-15SG jets flying in a V-shaped formation, with the two jets on the sides peeling away and soaring upwards to symbolise Singapore's ongoing peace and prosperity. In the second display, four F-16 jets will perform a cross-turn – a move where jets fly alongside one another other in a diamond formation before splitting off in different directions in a carefully-timed manoeuvre. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr Mahathir at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Singapore What's next for PSP following its post-GE leadership shake-up? Singapore 'Give a positive review': Hidden AI prompt found in academic paper by NUS researchers Multimedia 60 objects to mark SG60: Which is your favourite? Singapore Apex court upholds SMC's conviction of doctor who gave patients unapproved hormones Singapore Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand for suspected drug trafficking and handed over to CNB World Trump issues tariff notices to 7 minor trading partners, hits Brazil with 50% tariff In the multi-axis fly-past, six F-15SG fighter jets will fly in from opposite directions – one group from above the National Gallery, the other from Marina Bay – zoom past each other over the Padang, then fly almost vertically upwards. 'What is particularly challenging about this manoeuvre is that the aircraft will be flying head-on with vertical separation,' LTC Iskandar said. This means that the planes will be flying towards each other from opposite directions, but at different heights. 'To meet on time, on target over the Padang means ensuring that our navigation, timing and calculations are spot on.' LTC Muhammad Iskandar is the lead pilot for three dynamic flight displays involving F-15SG jets. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI ME6 Wong said National Day Parade 2025 will feature 26 RSAF aircraft in various displays: six F-15SG fighter aircraft, four F-16 fighter aircraft, one A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft, one G550-Airborne Early Warning aircraft, two Fokker 50 aircraft, two C-130 Hercules aircraft, one S-70B Seahawk helicopter, four AH-64D Apache Attack helicopters, three CH-47 heavy-lift helicopters and two H225M medium-lift helicopters. The air component of the NDP will start with the Hercules aircraft and the medium-lift helicopter transporting the Red Lions and naval divers over the Padang and Marina Bay respectively for their free-fall display. This will be followed by an NDP staple – the state flag fly-past where a heavy-lift helicopter, escorted by two Apaches, will carry the Singapore flag across the Padang. With eyes already on the skies, the F-15SG and F-16 fighter jets will perform their enhanced salute to the nation, followed by the two aerial displays to mark SG60. Captain Rachel Wong, in her first participation in an NDP, will be flying an F-16 fighter jet on the right side of both diamond formations. She described flying in 2025's parade as 'exhilarating and exciting', as the aerial fly-past portion had always been her favourite segment of the NDP as a child. 'To now have the opportunity to fly in that formation is something that I treasure very much,' CPT Wong said. Captain Rachel Wong, in her first participation in NDP, will be flying an F-16 fighter jet on the right side of the diamond formations. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI Executing the manoeuvre is quite challenging, especially when navigating tight airspace, she explained. As a pilot on the wing, CPT Wong said she has to place a great deal of trust in her flight lead. '(My flight lead) is the only person I'm able to see, and so I have to trust that he not only keeps the spacing between the F-16 and F-15SGs correct, but that we fly over the show centre in a nice formation,' she said. CPT Wong also expressed a deep sense of pride in being part of something larger than herself. After the display by the fighter jets, Singaporeans will get to enjoy an integrated aerial fly-past with the mobile column – a historic first for NDP. A total of 22 aircraft will sweep across the skies in four formations over the Padang, the first of which is the multi-axis fly-past. This is followed by a jet formation fly-past featuring the Multi-Role Tanker Transport, four F-16 fighter jets and an airborne early-warning aircraft. The next formation is a helicopter formation fly-past consisting of one Seahawk, two Apaches, two medium-lift helicopters and one heavy-lift helicopter. This final transport formation fly-past will feature two Hercules aircraft – the same planes that carry the Red Lions – which are rarely seen by the audience as they are typically high up in the sky, said one of the aircraft's pilots, LTC C. Teeneshwaran. This fly-past will also include two Fokker 50 aircraft. 'My role as a formation lead entails ensuring that all four aircraft fly a meticulously coordinated track over the Padang, in precise timing and alignment,' said LTC Teeneshwaran. LTC C. Teeneshwaran takes immense pride in ensuring a good show. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI 'I take immense pride in ensuring a good show,' said LTC Teeneshwaran. 'The pride never diminishes when we fly over the heart of Singapore.' The aerial displays are not just on National Day – Singaporeans can continue to enjoy fighter jet fly-pasts on Aug 10 during the heartland celebrations. From 6pm to 6.30pm on that day, four F-16 fighter jets will fly over various parts of the island, looping around each site twice.
Straits Times
28-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Commandos are Best Combat Unit for the 39th time
(From left) LTA Seah Zhang Qi; 2SG T Naveen, commando leader; LTC Kok Yi Long, commanding officer; and CFC Akmal Danial Rashiddin Abdul Latif, a commando fighter, from the 1st Commando Battalion, pictured on June 24. ST PHOTO: MARK CHEONG Commandos are Best Combat Unit for the 39th time SINGAPORE – The 1st Commando Battalion is the Best Combat Unit in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) again, and it has no intention of slowing down. In a statement from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on June 28 announcing the win, the unit's commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Kok Yi Long, said: 'The standard is high, and that is exactly where we intend to keep it.' Winning 22 times in a row did not happen by chance, he said. He said: 'It happened because every commando believed in the mission, pushed beyond limits in a calculated manner, and refused to settle for less. 'It is about a culture built over time, sustained by teamwork, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.' The unit does not strive for awards but to be better and ready to defend Singapore, he added. The special forces unit, which wears the distinctive red berets, is trained for various missions including airborne operations, reconnaissance and raids. In all, this is their 39th win since the competition was introduced in 1969. On July 1, the SAF will honour its best units with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Defence Minister Mr Chan Chun Sing presenting the awards to the winners at the SAF Day Parade at the SAFTI Military Institute. A total of 18 active units and 12 National Service (NS) units across the SAF are being recognised for their achievements. Awards include Best Combat Support Unit – won by the 17th Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Battalion, and the Best Air Engineering Unit, won by 811 Squadron . Some NS units that will be honoured include the 114th Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence Battalion which is the Best NS C4I Unit and 489th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, the Best NS Armour Unit. This year's Best Fighter Squadron is 142 Squadron, for the second consecutive time. It is the unit's fourth win since it was founded in 1974. The squadron conducts a wide spectrum of missions and notably, was the one that responded to a bomb threat on Air India Express flight AXB684 in October 2024, said Mindef. Then, two F-15SG fighter jets intercepted and escorted the flight to a safe landing at Changi Airport . No bomb was found on board. The squadron's commanding officer, Major Muhammad Iskandar, said the win was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and team spirit of each of its members. He said: 'Celebrating our win on SG60, a significant milestone in our journey as a nation, makes the award even more meaningful for us. '142 Squadron stands ready to face an increasingly unpredictable world, staying committed to excellence, anchored in purpose, and taking full ownership of our mission to defend Singapore.' Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Online Citizen
04-06-2025
- General
- Online Citizen
Man to be charged over bomb hoax made aboard flight at Changi Airport
A 22-year-old man will be charged on 5 June in Singapore for allegedly making a bomb threat while onboard a flight preparing to depart from Changi Airport. The man had allegedly posted the threat on social media shortly before takeoff. According to the Singapore Police Force (SPF), officers were alerted on 14 February at approximately 7.20pm to a social media post that contained a threat to blow up an aircraft. The post, reportedly made after the man had boarded the aircraft, read: 'no one here knows I'm going to blow the plane up.' Investigations by the Airport Police Division led to the identification of the suspect within an hour of the report. The aircraft, which was taxiing on the runway for departure to Abu Dhabi, was recalled to Changi Airport Terminal 2. The man was arrested onboard the flight. Police confirmed that no threat items were found in his possession and there was no actual means to carry out the threat. The man will be charged under Section 268A of the Penal Code for communicating false information about a harmful thing. If found guilty, he could face up to seven years' imprisonment, a fine of up to S$50,000, or both. When contacted by state media CNA, the police declined to disclose the man's nationality. Police stress zero tolerance for false threats The SPF emphasised the seriousness with which all security threats are treated. Assistant Commissioner of Police M Malathi, Commander of the Airport Police Division, said the safety and security of passengers and staff remain the top priority. 'Beyond fear and inconvenience caused, the making of false threats, especially relating to airport and airline operations, involves significant public resources that have to be deployed to deal with the incident,' she stated. 'All security threats will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be tracked down and prosecuted.' Previous bomb threat in October 2024 In a similar incident in October 2024, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) deployed two F-15SG fighter jets in response to a bomb threat on an incoming Air India Express flight. The flight, which was bound for Singapore, was safely escorted to Changi Airport where no threats were found upon inspection. That incident was one of several bomb threats made against flights departing from India on 14 and 15 October 2024.
