The release of Top Gun: Maverick a few years ago had no doubt sparked our interest in the aviation industry. And even if you’ve missed the show, aspiring pilots or curious cats can check out the behind-the-scenes at Singapore’s very own Air Force Museum which is celebrating SAF60 this year.
Located next to the Paya Lebar Air Base, the museum is home to OG aircraft such as fighter jets and missiles, and immersive displays that will take you through the workings of the RSAF aircraft. If these sound right up your alley, read on to find out more.
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Yes, entry to the Singapore Air Force Museum is free for all visitors. This includes Singaporeans, PRs, and tourists. Do note that it is only open from Tuesdays to Saturdays.
To get to the museum, take bus 90 or 94 and get off at Air Force Museum (Stop ID: 71049) or Opp Air Force Museum (Stop ID: 71041).
Image credit: Augustin Axente via Facebook
The museum is maintained by The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and was opened to the public back in 1988. Originally, the museum was located at Changi Air Base but has since relocated next to the Paya Lebar Air Base.
When the British left after WWII, Singapore had to replace the Royal Air Force and create our very own force from scratch.
You’ll get to learn more about the history of RSAF through the exhibits and interactive displays at the indoor gallery. Don’t miss the outdoor gallery too, where you can check out different fighter jets, missiles, and anti-aircraft systems.
Image adapted from: Augustin Axente via Facebook
The Outdoor Gallery at Level 1 is unmissable, with replicas of the missile systems and helicopters for all to check out. You can get up close and personal with the various displays, and peer into the clear windows for a glimpse of the cockpit controls and panels.
Channel your inner Tom Cruise and strike your best pose.
Image credit: Ho Zong Xi via Google Maps
It’s not often that you get to stand right next to vintage aircrafts such as the Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye plane or Alouette III helicopter.
And even if these names sound foreign to you, it’s still worth learning about them and how they’ve been linked to the RSAF’s history – so you can spew some fun facts at your next TGIF hang.
Image credit: Derek Yiu via Google Maps
Then, head up to Level 2 where you’ll be transported all the way back to the 1960s. You’ll see the evolution of the RSAF uniforms through the years, as well as a detailed timeline of key moments of how Singapore’s air force came to be.
Image adapted from: Lim Sze Tat & Arati Menon-Tan via Google Maps
As you walk through the exhibits, you’ll be greeted with more real-life models of flight equipment used by the RSAF – and no, these aren’t things you usually see when you’re jet-setting off on a Scoot flight. For the audio learners, you’ll be glad to know that there are multimedia displays that narrate the details for you.
Image credit: MINDEF
And perhaps the coolest feature in the museum would be the aircraft simulator, which you can hop into and take your pseudo plane for a ride. We’re talking a panoramic view of your flight on the screens, control of the yoke – AKA the plane’s steering wheel – and the freedom to perform aerobic manoeuvres in the digital sky.
From now till 30th April 2025, the museum will also have a special SAF60 Exhibition Showcase.
The limited time exhibition commemorates the formation of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and celebrates 60 years of SAF’s journey. You’ll get to read a collection of human-interest stories and experiences of past and present servicemen and women.
There’s some fun to be had too by playing an interactive game, at the end of which everyone wins an exclusive collectible figurine dispensed by a gachapon machine. At the museum you’ll encounter Hydra, a rogue AI villian, which has unleashed chaos and is threatening to take over Singapore’s digital systems. In true Avengers style, fight against him and restore peace to get your reward.
Image credit: Hongrun Luo via Google Maps
If you’ve been inspired by the National Day Parade flight shows before and are yearning to be a pilot, plan a trip down to the Singapore Air Force Museum for some cool insights on the RSAF. Kiddos can also take this opportunity to ditch the desk and do some hands-on learning about the air force.
Other museums to check out:
Cover image adapted from: 博翔康 via Google Maps, MINDEF
Originally published on 17th August 2022. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 4th April 2025.
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