The Changi Air Base (East), or Changi East Complex is a new facility extending the facilities of the Changi Air Base, the existing facilities hence renamed Changi Air Base (West). Ground breaking took place on 15 July 2002 on a 2 square kilometre site of reclaimed land east of the Singapore Changi Airport, and was officially opened on 29 November 2004. It has a runway length of 2,748 metres (9,015 ft).

Location

The new base houses the Republic of Singapore Air Force's 145 Squadron, which comprises the extended-range, attack oriented F-16D Block 52+ Fighting Falcons, as well as the Flying Support Squadron, the Air Logistics Squadron and the Airfield Maintenance Squadron.

Its location gives it an advantage over other airbases like Tengah Air Base or Paya Lebar Air Base. The F-16 jets from Changi can make a faster trip out to training areas over the South China Sea, compared to their counterparts from other air bases. The 145 Squadron can save as much as five to seven minutes in travel time, which means they also save on fuel and cut down on costs.

In the future, the runway will be extended for the expansion of Singapore Changi Airport.

Singapore Airshow connection

Also, located just beyond the northern edge perimeter fencing of the air base is the permanent venue of the New Changi Exhibition Centre for the Singapore Airshow which was completed in September 2007 and had hosted the recently inaugurated Singapore Airshow 2008 in February 2008.

See also

• Republic of Singapore Air Force
• Singapore Airshow

References

External links

• RSAF web page on Changi Air Base (CAB)
• Official Opening
• News article on new airbase
• Satellite image of Changi Airbase (East) and 02R/20L runway - Google Maps