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Two hundred members of Singapore’s air force will train in the Northern Territory for two months in October – but face three weeks of isolation beforehand.
The task force wills conduct air combat exercises with F-15SGs, Multi-Role Tanker Transports and G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft at Delamere Air Weapons Range and Bradshaw Field Training Area.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Fighter Detachment will carry out the exercises between 7 October and 11 December, with military personal arriving this month in order to carry out the strict quarantine.
All members of the RSAF will be asked to self-isolate for seven days and then take a COVID-19 test 48 hours prior to arrival in Australia.
After touching down, they will then undertake a further 14 days quarantine at specially prepared hotel accommodation in the Darwin Area that will be secured by the ADF.
Finally, the RSAF will be asked to take one more test before being allowed into training.
The tough safety measures mirror those carried out by US Marine Rotational Force in Darwin earlier this year.
Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the RSAF personnel would also be “frequenting businesses in the local community” and providing an economic boost to the Top End.
“After careful planning and preparations undertaken by both Australia and Singapore to minimise any potential COVID-19 risks to the Northern Territory, I am pleased we will be able to welcome the detachment from Singapore,” Minister Reynolds said.
“The arrival of the RSAF’s Fighter Detachment to conduct training in the Northern Territory underlines the strength of the Australia-Singapore partnership and our shared commitment to regional security.
“Singapore’s military training in Australia is an important element of our comprehensive strategic partnership. It supports Singapore’s ability to generate a force that provides strategic weight and supports stability in our region.”
