1972/06 - Bloodhound MK II Surface to Air Missles

Bloodhound MK II Surface to Air Missiles

1972

60 refurbished Bloodhound MK II surface-to-air missiles were acquired from the RAF and integrated into 170 Squadron at Seletar Air Base.

During the build-up of Singapore’s air defence, 60 refurbished Bloodhound MK II surface-to-air missiles were acquired from the Royal Air Force and were inaugurated into 170 Battalion Singapore Artillery at Seletar Air Base. In 1979, it was renamed 170 Singapore Air Defence Artillery (SADA) and, later, 170 Squadron.

Missile launcher in outdoor setting, likely part of early air defence system.

The refurbished Bloodhound MK II missiles formed 170 Squadron at Seletar Air Base after its inauguration by Pang Tee Pow, Singapore’s first Permanent Secretary for Defence.

Close-up of a missile on launcher, pointed skyward under partly cloudy skies.

The RSAF’s first surface-to-air missiles were fired by 170 SADA.

Soldiers seated watching a Vulcan air defence system demonstration in the field.

The Bloodhound MK II was declared fully operational on 1 September 1974.

Bloodhound missiles in reinforced hillside launch positions at an air defence base.

Site of the commissioning ceremony on 19 June 1974.

Missile launching with plume of smoke trailing upward against cloudy sky.

Site of the commissioning ceremony on 19 June 1974.

Two uniformed personnel beside missile launcher during training or demonstration

The Bloodhound MK II was retired in 1990.

Large group of uniformed air defence personnel posing in front of a missile launcher.

On 31 May 1990, the Bloodhound MK II, which had guarded the skies for two decades, was decommissioned. It was replaced by the Improved-Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK).

“Lock on! Fire!’ came the voice over the line and my sweaty right thumb, which was trained over a thousand times via simulator, hit the button. The silence was deafening and the roar, when it came, was something unheard of. The countdown began and before we knew it, the missile had intercepted the target.”

MAJ Martin Baptist, Ground Based Air Defence Officer, 1980 who was one of the 10 RSAF personnel sent to Abeporth, Wales, to fire the Bloodhound missile

“I can still remember that the place was strewn with bits and pieces of hardware when the system was dismantled for refurbishing and recommissioning. It was a great sight to see the Bloodhound system eventually assembled, with the launcher pads all fully loaded with missiles.””

LTC April Wee, Commanding Officer, 170 Squadron, 1981 who recalled her experience with the newly commissioned Bloodhound