1982/04 - Enhanced Long-Range Air Defence System

Air Defence Systems

Improved-Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK)

Year

1982

The I-HAWK missile system bolstered Singapore's air defence, providing high-to-medium protection as part of the RSAF's multi-layered shield.

The Improved-Homing All the Way Killer (I-HAWK) surface-to-air missile system, operated by 163 SADA, is the first level of protection in Singapore’s multi-layered air defence shield and provides high-to-medium air defence. Acquiring the I-HAWK aided the development of the RSAF’s Ground Based Air Defence capabilities.

Triple-surface missile launcher displayed outdoors, angled upright in a static ground setup.

The I-HAWK surface-to-air missile system.

Missile launches into the sky leaving a smoke trail, with mountains in the background.

The I-HAWK live firing was carried out at McGregor Range in 1982.

Missile launches across flat terrain, leaving a trail of smoke in front of mountain range.

In September 1982, the RSAF conducted its first live firing exercise to test the I-HAWK.

Missile launches from ground-based launcher with trail of white smoke under cloudy sky.

The live firing was held at McGregor Range in Fort Bliss in the US.

Ground crew prepares missile launcher system for transport with a crane and flatbed.

The I-HAWK system was transported to Singapore from the US after it attained full operational capability.

Flying Tigers cargo plane on tarmac with ground crew loading large military equipment.

The I-HAWK arrived at Changi Airport from the US and was transported to the newly formed 163 SADA at Changi Camp.

Two long-range missiles mounted on tracked launcher at sunset with camo net in background.

The I-HAWK is operated by 163 SADA, which was formed on 1 May 1982. The I-HAWK system fills the gaps between the Bloodhound and other low-level air defence systems, as it is relatively more mobile and performs best at short ranges and low altitudes. The primary role of the I-HAWK battalion is to defend Singapore against medium- and low-level air attacks.

Construction site with foundation pilings and muddy terrain during early base development.

SADA moved to Lim Chu Kang Camp II after it was completed in 1987.

Main entrance of Lim Chu Kang Camp II with large signage and military buildings in background.

Lim Chu Kang II became the new home of 163 SADA in 1987.

Uniformed personnel in field briefing during military exercise, some holding notebooks.

A final brief was given to SADA officers training in the US before their deployment.

Soldiers setting up missile system and sandbag defences in arid training area.

In 1982, SADA officers deployed an I-HAWK while training in the US.

It’s a rare opportunity to press the button and launch a live missile, a climax of preparations. The engagement was very powerful although it was about 40km in the sky. You could feel the ground shake!”

LTA Roland Wee, Flight Commander, 1984 who was one of 12 RSAF personnel who had spent three weeks in Sweden preparing for the live firing.