1971/09 - Taking over the command of our air bases

1971

SADC took full control of Tengah, Changi, and Sembawang Air Bases, marking Singapore’s full air defence autonomy.

On 15 September 1971, the SADC took over full operational control of Tengah Air Base, which used to be Britain’s biggest jet strike station in Asia. By the end of 1971, Sembawang and Changi Air Bases were also handed over to the SADC, marking the complete withdrawal of British forces from Singapore and the beginnings of Singapore’s very own Air Force.

Military officers attending a flag parade ceremony at Tengah Air Base.

The raising of the Singapore flag on 15 September 1971 marked the handover of Tengah Air Base from the Royal Air Force to the SADC.

Newspaper article announces parade for RAF Tengah base transfer

By the end of 1971, the SADC had inherited the Joint Air Traffic Control Centre as well as the Air Defence Radar Unit, and was now ready to move beyond merely providing air defence and assume the functions of a fully-fledged Air Force. A headquarters was also established under its first Commander, LTC Ee Tean Chye.

Programme cover for the 1971 parade marking RAF Tengah's handover to Singapore Armed Forces.

The programme of the parade to mark the handover of command of Tengah Air Base.

Royal Air Force and Singapore Armed Forces officers shake hands during command handover.

MAJ Charles Chew took over command of Seletar Air Base in 1969.

“Singapore has a good chance of continuing to be a successful nation if the next generation understands the ingredients of success. First, a stable political situation, then the competence of our defence forces to ensure that no one believes he can just walk in and take over what we have created and built.”

Lee Kuan Yew, Prime Minister, 1971