1999/05 - First Attack Helicopter

In 1999, the RSAF acquired its first AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, which were used in the Peace Vanguard detachment in 2002. They arrived in Singapore in June 2006. Inaugurated into 120 Squadron at Sembawang Air Base, these helicopters with advanced avionics and weapon systems boost the SAF’s capability to take on a wider range of missions, especially air-land integrated operations.

The AH-64D Apache Longbow is a twin-engine, four-bladed, multi-mission attack helicopter with a tandem-seated crew of two.

The Apache is the ­first helicopter to be developed specially for both day and night as well as adverse-weather combat missions.

“Proving ourselves during certification training at Fort Hood and playing an instrumental role as part of the Aviation Task Force in the Joint Readiness Training Centre (JRTC), shows that the RSAF’s attack helicopter capability has leap-frogged tremendously in the short span of time since we acquired the lethal AH-64D Apache Longbow.”

LTC Christopher Wong, Pioneer Apache Pilot, 120 Squadron, 2003 on participating in the United States Army’s elite JRTC exercise

“An attack helicopter capability fits in well with the SAF’s development as a modern and balance force.”

Dr Tony Tan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, 2003