The eight Apache Longbow Attack helicopters (AH-64D), one of the most fearsome of their kind in the world and deployed as frontline tank busters, will be based at the Peace Vanguard Detachment in Arizona in the United States.

Because of its limited land and air space, Singapore relies on allies like the United States, France and Australia to provide training facilities for the city-state's modern armed forces.

Once the crew and equipment are ready, combat aircraft can be deployed for duty in Singapore, which currently has F-16 fighters in its fleet.

In February, Singapore signed a letter of intent to join the US-led Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), also known as the F35 stealth fighter, development program, making it the first Asian country to take part in the effort.

Tan said 118 Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) personnel will be training with the US Army to enable the squadron attain the level of operational readiness of their American counterparts.

"The inauguration of the RSAF Apache squadron marks a milestone in the development of the Singapore Armed Forces' attack helicopter capabilities," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Tan, who inaugurated the unit's detachment in Maran, Arizona, said the armed forces "must always stand ready" to defend Singapore and its national interests.

"The Apache attack helicopter capability will enhance the Singapore Armed Forces' ability to deal decisively with the security challenges," said Tan.

Aside from the Apache squadron, Singapore has four other training detachments in the US for F-16 fighter warplanes, Chinook helicopters and KC-135 jet refuelling tankers.

Singapore is one of the staunchest US allies in Asia. US air and naval facilities regularly call on Singapore.

In his speech, Tan praised the close defence cooperation between the US and Singapore and said American military presence is crucial to the stability of the region. He also commented on tensions in the Korean peninsula.

"In the Asia-Pacific, North Korea is engaged in a dangerous game of brinkmanship, which could have significant consequences for the regional strategic landscape in the years ahead," he said.

"We hope that the North Korea issue can be resolved without conflict," he said.

SPACE.WIRE