(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Squadron 6 and the Ground Forward Air Controller (GFAC) of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) successfully demonstrated their capabilities in a Close Air Support (CAS) Mission during Exercise Bersama Shield 2024.
The exercise, which ran from April 28 to May 6, 2024, included member countries of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA).
In addition to the GFAC, Joint Terminal Air Controllers from Australia and the United Kingdom collaborated with Hawk aircraft from Squadron 6 and F15SG and F16SG from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
The exercise was also supported by the Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Operations Headquarters in terms of satellite communications.
According to a social media statement by the RMAF, the primary objective of this exercise was to enhance the synergy between pilots and controllers in executing Close Air Support missions in both planned and unplanned scenarios.
This exercise also represented a systematic and well-organized learning process requiring the speed and efficiency of pilots and controllers when communicating during each mission executed within a brief period.
The effectiveness of this exercise has the potential to significantly enhance the defense capabilities of land, sea, and air forces, as it requires confidence and competence from both pilots and controllers.
The FPDA was signed in 1971 by Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to ensure Singapore and Malaysia have a support channel in case of an armed attack.
The FPDA does not obligate member countries to military intervention but stipulates that members should consult immediately with each other to decide on further actions. – DSA