The Royal Australian Air Force deployed six F-35A Lightning II fighters from No. 3 Squadron to Singapore for Exercise Bersama Lima 2026, integrating the aircraft into mixed formations with Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG and F-16C/D fighters. The training included defensive and offensive counter-air missions and overwater air-to-air refuelling from an RSAF A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport.
Held from 5 to 23 October, the Five Power Defence Arrangements exercise brought together Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. Approximately 1,900 personnel took part, supported by 42 aircraft, seven ships and one submarine. Activities covered dissimilar air-combat training, complex air-defence scenarios, maritime air surveillance, fighter land-away operations, refuelling and casualty evacuation.
The F-35A detachment operated from Paya Lebar Air Base, exposing Australian and Singaporean crews to fifth-generation and dissimilar-aircraft integration, multinational mission planning and air-to-air refuelling in Singapore’s operating environment. The exercise also required Australian personnel to adapt to equatorial conditions while using equipment transported from Australia.
No. 3 Squadron has deployed aircraft and crews to Singapore across successive generations since 1969. The exercise’s multinational format supports the FPDA’s objective of improving interoperability, professional relationships and the ability of its members to plan and operate together during regional security contingencies.