The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will headline the Singapore Airshow aerial display with a combined team composed of a Boeing F-15SG and a pair of Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 52 models. The show is also part of the RSAF’s 50th anniversary celebrations, known as RSAF50.

Although the crowd-favorite Black Knights aerobatics team is not participating in the event, Brigadier General Kelvin Khong, RSAF50 steering committee chairman and RSAF’s Chief of Staff (Air Staff) said the combined team is a new set-up for the Singapore Airshow, and viewers will be treated with something fresh. He added that it is showcasing a mastery of both platforms by the pilots, as the aircraft have significantly different handling characteristics.

“Putting them together is not easy. There are no reference points, as we are one of the first air forces to do this. The pilots have to apply their knowledge and experience,” said BG Khong, who is also an F-16 and F-15 pilot.

Singapore's president Halimah Yacob will officially launch the year-long RSAF50 campaign at the Singapore Airshow on February 7, and at the same time unveil a F-15SG with special livery to commemorate the RSAF’s Golden Jubilee.

Through March and into May, they will organize five roving exhibitions in various locations across the island. The public will be able to view live demonstrations, such as helicopter operations at Sembawang.

To follow Singapore’s National Day on August 9, the RSAF is organizing the RSAF50@Marina Barrage from August 11 to 12. More than 20 RSAF aircraft, including unmanned examples, will take part in a commemorative flypast, and there will be aerial displays by the F-15SG, F-16C/D and AH-64D Apache.

RSAF50 will cap off on September 1 with the RSAF Day Parade at Tengah Airbase, officiated by the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The parade will be one of the largest and will feature a mobile column, flypast, and possibly the first public appearance of the Airbus A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).