Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans

Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans Terror Angle to Singapore Airshow? Star Attractions: Airbus 350, Display by Koreans, Americans Singapore, February 10, 2014: Asia’s top aerospace and defence show, Singapore Airshow, slated to take-off on Tuesday (February 11, 2013) has somewhat hit a turbulence notwithstanding the global arms and defence firms confirming their participation in large numbers. Indonesia remains the centre of controversy with Singapore withdrawing invites to Indonesian naval and other military staff as a protest over Jakarta’s move to name a navy ship after the Indonesian marines who alleged to have bombed Orchard Road Building, MacDonald House (Singapore) in 1965, killing three and injuring over 30 people. In what is perceived as uncalled for action, Indonesian Navy has named a new frigate as KRI Usman Harun. Singapore considers the 1965 incident as an act of terrorism by two Indonesians. The bomb was allegedly planted by the duo during the period of Indonesia-Malaysia conflict. This year’s show is billed as the biggest Airshow since the biennial event was launched in Singapore in 2005. Indonesia has already downplayed the “terrorist angle” and the “link” related to the event that happened long time ago. What has surprised many is the ferocity with which Singapore has acted given the traditional good relations that exist between the two countries, especially on the defence front. In rush of blood, Singapore cancelled the invites of Indonesian Navy Chief and over 100 Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) Officers to send the message that it won’t tolerate any gesture that glorifies the terror or the terrorists even if their actions are related to the distant past. Some of the high ranking ministerial meetings between the two countries scheduled during the airshow now is unlikely to take place. There is now question mark over the participation of TNI’s Jupiter Aerobatic Team with possibility of Indonesian Air Force Chief too unlikely to make it to the show given the hostile public opinion in Singapore. In the meantime, the much awaited six-day Airshow is poised for early start at 10.25 a.m. daily, except on the first day to ensure smooth peak hours at the Changi airport. The authorities do not want commercial flights to be delayed. The airspace remains closed during the display hours. Around 50 countries and 1000 companies across the globe are participating in the show. The Airbus 350 yet to start commercial operation will be among 100 plus aircraft expected on static display. The star attractions include, display by Singapore’s elite Black Knight pilots and Black Eagles (South Korea). The US marine pilot, Alex Rhodes, will fly the MV 22B Osprey in as solo aerial display of about six minutes. More than the value of deals, the show is likely to be remembered for the quality of delegates who would be participating and deliberating on critical issues such as infrastructure and technology against the background of growing aerospace industry and related businesses in Asia.