India-Singapore Joint Military Training Exercise 2024

October 22, 2024

On 21st October 2024, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) began the 12th Joint Military Training (JMT) exercise. This exercise is taking place at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Bengal. The bilateral phase will run from 13 to 21 November 2024. It aims to enhance cooperation between the two air forces.

Purpose of the Exercise

The JMT exercise focuses on several key areas:

Advanced Air Combat Simulations: Forces will engage in realistic combat scenarios.

Joint Mission Planning: Teams will work together to plan missions effectively.

Debriefing Sessions: After missions, they will analyse performance and learn from each other.

Enhancing Interoperability

Interoperability is crucial for joint operations. The exercise aims to:

Improve coordination between IAF and RSAF.
Ensure both forces can operate seamlessly together in future missions.
Sharpen combat readiness through shared training experiences.

Participation Details

The RSAF is sending its largest contingent ever. This includes:

Aircrew from F-16 and F-15 squadrons.
G-550 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft.
C-130 transport aircraft.

The IAF will contribute a diverse fleet, including:

Rafale and Mirage 2000 ITI fighters.
Su-30 MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, and Jaguar aircraft.

Historical Background

The JMT exercise has a strong foundation. It was established under a bilateral agreement between India and Singapore. This agreement promotes defence cooperation. JMT has been conducted annually since its inception, reflecting the commitment of both nations.

Recent Developments

This year’s exercise follows the RSAF’s participation in Ex-Tarang Shakti. This was one of the largest multinational aerial exercises hosted by the IAF. Such events indicate a deepening professional relationship between the two air forces.