The U.S. Department of Defense participated in the Singapore Airshow 2024 (SA2024) with an aerial demonstration by the B-52H Stratofortress and static displays at the Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore Feb. 20-25.
This tradeshow is one of the largest defense exhibitions in the Pacific and had over 1000 exhibitors from 50 countries participate with greater than 99,000 visitors over the five days.
This is the latest in a series of multinational engagements U.S. forces have participated in throughout the region to showcase the country's capabilities and increase understanding of regional challenges.
“The Singapore Airshow 2024 and other tradeshows give the U.S. the opportunity to build on our already strong ties with ally and partner nations to demonstrate flexible aircraft capability, enable engagement with foreign partners and expand power projection capabilities,” said Col. Joanna Mitchell, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces A37, SA2024 Airboss.
A variety of U.S. aircraft were showcased during the event, exhibiting a snapshot of the diverse inventory of the DoD’s aircraft and equipment. The F-35A Lightning II, the Air Force’s latest fifth-generation fighter that provides next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability, was one of the aircraft featured.
“Exhibiting our cutting-edge aircraft allows us to demonstrate and share the future of Air Power to our Allies and partners, including Singapore who is acquiring the F-35,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Jacob “Shack” Turner, 4th Fighter Squadron F-35A pilot. “Connecting with airshow participants reinforces our commitment to regional stability through unparalleled capabilities and emphasizes the U.S.'s readiness to deploy F-35s anywhere, meeting any military requirement at a moment's notice.”
Tradeshows are not only time for the public to experience and learn about aircraft but they also give aircrew the opportunity to intermingle and form bonds between Allies and partners.
“It’s always a great experience for me to talk with pilots from other airframes about what their airframes are capable of and I think it’s an excellent opportunity for us to provide a unique perspective here at the airshow,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Barrett Tallant, an AH-64E Apache Guardian pilot assigned to the 1-229 Attack Battalion, 16th Combat Aviation Brigade.
As the majority of the aircraft at the event were fixed wing airframes, Tallant felt it was a great opportunity for the Army to showcase to joint partners how attack rotary wings sequence into joint operations.
“I think that U.S. attack rotary wings in the Indo-Pacific region especially has a special role in working with our partner nations to share with and grow from each other through opportunities like this event as well as training exercises we conduct with all our partners in the region to continue to ensure a free and safe Indo-Pacific,” said Tallant.
Other aircraft that participated in this year’s event were the Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and the Navy P-8A Poseidon.
During the tradeshow, aviation companies and leaders focused on discussing and showcasing sustainability, advanced air mobility, and innovation in future technology, which U.S. Navy Lt. Kelly “Shotgun” Baze, Patrol Squadron (VP) 8 AV/ARM Division Officer, was able to participate in.
“Witnessing firsthand the intricacies and innovations within the aviation industry gave us a deeper appreciation for the collective effort involved in delivering a superior product for us to effectively operate on station and successfully accomplish our mission,” said Baze. “[It] proved to be an invaluable experience for our entire detachment crew because it provided us a profound understanding of the broader significance of our roles as operators. Representing Navy aviation assets at the tradeshow is vital to showcase capabilities, build Alliances, deter adversaries, and promote innovation within the naval aviation community.”
Singapore is a critical strategic partner of the United States and an important conduit for U.S. relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and to the region.
“Relationships with our Allies and partners promotes military to military discussions, enabling greater interoperability and increased cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to confront common threats and protect our shared interests,” said Mitchell. “Tradeshows provide an opportunity for many countries to showcase their military capabilities, create common bonds, and share country specific regional challenges to increase understanding of the regional challenges faced by all countries.”
The tradeshow proved to be an effective channel for Indo-Pacific Command’s mission to increase interoperability, information-sharing, and expanded access across the region by presenting a compatible and interoperable coalition to the adversary in crisis and armed conflict.
Date Taken: | 02.24.2024 |
Date Posted: | 02.28.2024 18:43 |
Story ID: | 464632 |
Location: | SINGAPORE, SG |
Web Views: | 128 |
Downloads: | 1 |
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