RSAF F-16 Crash at Tengah Air Base: Incident and Fleet Overview

  • 09 Oct 2024
  • Text by Jarell Lim, SUTD Aviation Interest Group

Tengah Air Base Incident

In May 2024, an F-16 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) crashed at Tengah Air Base during a routine training flight. Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject safely and sustained only minor injuries. There were no injuries to other personnel, and the surrounding areas experienced no collateral damage.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) later announced that the crash resulted from a malfunction in the aircraft’s Digital Flight Control System, specifically caused by degraded pitch rate gyroscopes. This mechanical failure led to a loss of control, necessitating the pilot to eject. Following the incident, the RSAF conducted an in-depth investigation to ensure the safety and reliability of its F-16 fleet. In response to the findings, the RSAF implemented more stringent testing procedures for the gyroscope components to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Figure 1: Illustration of the F16 malfunction (MINDEF, 2024)

F-16 Acquisition and Role in RSAF

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has played a crucial role in Singapore’s air defence since its introduction into the RSAF’s fleet. In the late 1990s, Singapore began acquiring the F-16C/D models as part of its modernisation efforts to bolster its air combat capabilities. The first batch of F-16s arrived in 1998, and further acquisitions enabled the RSAF to develop a versatile and powerful air force. These aircraft were procured in response to growing regional security concerns, and their integration into the fleet represented a significant enhancement in Singapore’s defence capabilities.

Known for its versatility, the F-16 is capable of various roles, including air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance. Over the years, the RSAF’s F-16s have undergone multiple upgrades to improve their avionics, weapons systems, and radar capabilities. These upgrades have thus kept the fleet relevant in modern warfare despite being in service for over two decades.

Singapore’s commitment to maintaining a robust air force has led its F-16 fleet to participate in numerous international exercises and real-world operations, ensuring that its pilots and systems are battle-tested and capable to tackle diverse threats. The most recent being Exercise Pitch Black 2024, during which six F-16C/Ds were deployed to train alongside various foreign air forces’ F-35 fighter jets. 

Figure 2: RSAF's A330 MRTT conducting air-to-air refuelling with the RAAF's F-35A fighter aircraft and the RSAF's F-15SG and F-16C (MINDEF, 2024)

Looking Forward

Despite the incident in May 2024, the RSAF maintains confidence in its F-16 fleet. The timely investigation and implementation of enhanced safety protocols demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to ensuring operational readiness and the safety of its pilots. While Singapore is also exploring next-generation fighter jets like the F-35, the F-16 remains as a vital component of the RSAF’s arsenal. Continuous upgrades and stringent safety measures will guarantee that the fleet effectively serves Singapore’s defense requirements for years to come.

This incident, though unfortunate, not only emphasises the inherent risks associated with military aviation but also showcases the RSAF’s resilience and readiness in addressing such challenges.

REFERENCES
MINDEF, 2024. RSAF. (2024, June 19). Final Update on the RSAF's F-16 Crash at Tengah Air Base.
https://www.mindef.gov.sg/rsaf/news-and-publications/news/final-update-on-the-rsaf’s-f-16-crash-at-tengah-air-base


MINDEF, 2024. RSAF. (2024, July 22) RSAF hones operational capabilities in large-scale multinational air combat exercise
in Australia. https://www.mindef.gov.sg/news-and-events/latest-releases/22jul24_nr

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