Two RSAF F-16s scrambled after Malaysian chopper flies over waters near Changi Airport

TWO Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 fighter jets were scrambled on Wednesday (Aug 9) afternoon after a Malaysia-registered helicopter flew over the Singapore Strait east of Changi Airport.

The Ministry of Defence and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore said in a joint statement that the warplanes were scrambled at 12.40 pm.

“After ensuring that our security was not compromised, the F-16s were subsequently stood down,” the statement said.

“Preliminary checks indicate that the helicopter is of a civilian type and registered to a foreign company.”

Operations at Changi Airport were affected between 12.50pm and 1.28pm as a result, with nine arrival flights and 11 outbound aircraft delayed. THE STRAITS TIMES