Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force Receives Prestigious Military Award ..

The Chief of Staff (COS) of the French Air and Space Force (FASF) General (GEN) Stéphane Mille was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to GEN Mille at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon.

GEN Mille was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions towards strengthening the bilateral defence ties between the FASF and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Under his leadership, the two Air Forces expanded and enhanced bilateral cooperation, including through collaborations on common platforms operated by both Air Forces such as the H225M medium lift helicopters and Aster 30 Ground Based Air Defence systems, interactions during the PEGASE deployments to the region in 2023, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses.

GEN Mille's invaluable support for the Advanced Jet Training detachment in Cazaux Air Base has also been vital for the RSAF's fighter aircrew generation and is a cornerstone of the bilateral defence relationship between both Air Forces.

On receiving the award, GEN Mille said, "I am deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from a valued and strategic partner with whom France shares common values and a balanced global vision. I accept this award on behalf of all members of the French Air and Space Force, who have tirelessly worked to strengthen the relationship between our Air Forces."

GEN Mille is in Singapore for his MSM(M) investiture and introductory visit from 7 to 9 Jul 2024. He called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan earlier this afternoon, and also inspected a Guard of Honour prior to the calls.