The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is hosting the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for Exercise Cope Tiger 2025, marking the initial phase of the large-scale air combat exercise. The conference, taking place from Dec. 16 to 20, in Singapore, brings together key participants from the RSAF, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), and the United States Air Force (USAF).
The FPC, previously known as the command post exercise (CPX), is a crucial planning stage before the field exercise. The field exercise for Cope Tiger 2025 is scheduled for Mar. 16-28, 2025, and will be held at Royal Thai Air Force Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
A high-ranking delegation from the RTAF, led by Commander-in-Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Punpakdee Pattanakul, arrived in Singapore on Dec. 16 for the conference. The RTAF delegation was hosted at Singapore’s Ministry of Defence building in Gombak Drive. The RSAF Chief of Air Force, Major General Kelvin Fan, presented RSAF Honorary Wings to six senior RTAF officers, recognising their contributions to strengthening ties between the two air forces.
Photo: RSAF
The opening ceremony for Cope Tiger 2025’s FPC was held on Dec. 18 at Paya Lebar airbase. The event was co-officiated by Major General Kelvin Fan, ACM Punpakdee Pattanakul, and United States Air Force (USAF) Director of Strategy, Plans, Programmes and Requirement to Commander Pacific Air Forces, Brigadier General Brian Laidlaw.
In a show of goodwill, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) dispatched two JAS 39 Gripen fighters and two T50TH advanced jet trainers to Singapore on Dec. 17 as a goodwill gesture alongside the Final Planning Conference (FPC) for Exercise Cope Tiger 2025. These visits are not mere formalities; they provide a valuable opportunity for Thai aircrews and maintenance personnel to engage directly with their counterparts in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Such visits, a recurring feature of the Cope Tiger exercise, enable the Thai personnel to engage in close proximity and face-to-face interactions during the goodwill visits, including a friendly bowling competition between the two sides. This allows for informal discussions and the forging of personal connections that enhance future cooperation between the air forces.
Photo: RTAF
Photo: RSAF
Exercise Cope Tiger, a large force employment air combat exercise, has been a regular event since 1994. The annual exercise serves as a key platform for enhancing interoperability and cooperation among the participating air forces.