Publication of 2018 Cabinet Documents on the Singapore Proposal to Base F-15 Fighter Jets at Ohakea Base
In 2018 New Zealand and Singapore concluded a thorough assessment of Singapore’s proposal to locate a squadron of F-15 fighter jets at Ohakea Air Force base for training. Both sides mutually concluded the proposal would not proceed.
The concept received strong support from local government, and official advice on multiple aspects of the proposal was considered at the Ministerial level throughout 2018.
However, it was clear that locating Singaporean F-15s at Ohakea on a long term basis was not feasible without significant investment to alleviate the strain operations would place on the capacity of the airfield and the airspace above it.
The bilateral relationship between Singapore and New Zealand remains strong. Cabinet has directed officials to explore options with Singapore for future regular short term aircraft detachments to New Zealand, and to structure New Zealand’s training schedules so that base capacity, safety and RNZAF outputs are not affected during periods the Singaporean Air Force may train here. Options will be explored through regular bilateral defence talks.
The Cabinet papers associated minutes from decisions in May and December 2018 are available from this page: Singapore Proposal to Base F-15 Fighter Jets at Ohakea Base – 2018 Cabinet Documents.