Story ID: 
First international Apache deployed in Asia
By: Gunter Endres
Caption: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) AH-64D Apache Longbow multirole combat helicopter prominently displayed at the entrance to Hall A is one of six 
Word Count: 199
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) AH-64D Apache Longbow multirole combat helicopter prominently displayed at the entrance to Hall A is one of six that participated in the big do-it-yourself exercise in the U.S. last November. It is the first of three that have been reassigned from the RSAF training base in Arizona to No. 120 Squadron, marking the first-ever deployment of international Apaches in Asia. Singapore has ordered 20 Boeing Apache Longbows and its air force has logged more than 8,000 accident-free hours in the past three-and-a-half years while training in the U.S. The RSAF received the first eight in 2002 and took delivery of the first of the final batch of 12 last month.

“The return marks a significant milestone for the Republic of Singapore Air Force,” said Col. Tan Wee Ngee, Commander of Sembawang airbase. “In the U.S., they [the pilots] had good training value. They were able to practice and train on the components, the proficiencies and the competencies. Now we can look at the bigger scheme of things and fit the Apaches in with other equipment to set the stage for a new era for our defense force.”