143 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force

The 143 Squadron "Phoenix" of the Republic of Singapore Air Force currently operates twelve F-16 Fighting Falcon of the F-16C/D Block 52 version. Based in Tengah Airbase, it specialises in intercepting aerial targets, assisting the air-to-ground operations of sister squadron, the 140 Squadron. Named after the Phoenix, the squadron goes by the motto "We Dare".

History

First formed in 1975, the squadron first flew the A-4 Skyhawk from Changi Airbase before moving to Tengah later the same year. In the late 1980, it was the first to operate the newly upgraded version of the A-4 aircraft, locally known as the A-4SU Super Skyhawk. The squadron switched to the F-16s when the newer aircraft took over the main combat roles of the RSAF.

Aircraft operated

1. 16 T/A-4SU Super Skyhawks (1975 - 2003)
2. 12 F-16C/D Fighting Falcons (2003 - present)

External links

• RSAF web page on 143 Sqn & Tengah Air Base (TAB)