Singapore confirms retirement of Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker fleet

One of the RSAF's KC-135R Stratotanker.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) confirmed that they have retired its fleet of four Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker aerial refueling and cargo aircraft last June 2019. The last flight was conducted on 26 June 2019, and the RSAF is looking at options on how to dispose the aircraft.

This is to give way to the introduction of the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft, which is being inducted with the RSAF’s 112 Squadron. The third of six A330 MRTTs ordered by the RSAF was delivered also last June 2019.

Singapore acquired the aircraft, originally ex-US Air Force KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft, in 1996 to replace the RSAF’s then aerial refueling aircraft fleet of Lockheed KC-130B/H Hercules. The oldest aircraft of the fleet was built in 1959, although the entire fleet was heavily modernized before delivery to the RSAF.

Upgrades include modernized avionics and cockpit undertaken as part of the US Pacer CRAG (Compass, Radar and GPS) program, as well as replacing the original J57 engines with the CFM International CFM56 turbofan engine. Also added were chaff/flare dispensers, and a Multi-Point Refuelling System (MPRS) for drogue and probe refueling in additional to the standard flying boom refueling system.


[1] AINOnline
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[3] Channel NewsAsia

Singapore confirms retirement of Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker fleet Singapore confirms retirement of Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker fleet Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on November 12, 2019 Rating: 5

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