RSAF Crew Recalls Projectile Sighting and Humanitarian Challenges During Strategic Middle East Evacuation Missions

RSAF pilots recall seeing a projectile during the 2026 Saudi Arabia evacuation. Discover how Singapore brought 299 citizens home safely using military tankers.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 6:43 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from AsiaOne

Navigating Active Combat Zones in the Middle East

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has concluded two high stakes repatriation missions, bringing home 299 Singaporeans and their dependents from Saudi Arabia amid an escalating regional conflict. Captain Gerald Goh, an RSAF transport pilot, recounted a chilling moment three hours into a night flight on March 10 when he witnessed a projectile in the distance. While the crew assessed that the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport was not the intended target, the sighting underscored the volatile nature of the mission. The operation required the crew to remain airborne for over 35 hours across 16,000 nautical miles, highlighting the physical and mental stamina demanded by modern military evacuation efforts.

Strategic Shift Following Regional Escalations

The decision to deploy military assets was triggered by the lack of direct commercial flights between Saudi Arabia and Singapore following military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in late February. Major Fong Wei Shen, the chief planner for the mission, explained that the RSAF began monitoring the situation immediately after initial attacks on February 28. By March 6, the operational command initiated the mobilization of the MRTT, an aircraft typically used for mid air refueling and disaster relief. This mission marked a rare occasion where the military vessel functioned as a civilian transport, landing at Changi Airport with non combatant passengers.

Logistical Adaptation for Civilian Comfort and Safety

Transforming a military tanker into a passenger vessel necessitated rapid logistical adjustments to accommodate families and infants. Military Expert 5 Tamilselvan Palanisamy noted that the team had to coordinate with external ground handlers to secure baby bassinets, specialized meals for children, and vegetarian options that are not standard military inventory. Beyond physical amenities, the crew had to manage passenger expectations regarding the limited services available on a tactical aircraft. This included providing essential support such as hot water for milk formula, which First Warrant Officer Chin Yew Wen identified as a key factor in making distressed families feel secure during the long transit.