IT OPERATES the oldest fighters in the air force's arsenal, but 144 Squadron outflew and outshot other units to be crowned the Best Fighter Squadron.

Based at Paya Lebar Air Base, the squadron was formed in 1979 and flies F-5 Tigers. It last won the award in 2005.

Since then, the Republic of Singapore Air Force has introduced dozens of F-16 fighters which are more advanced, powerful and manoeuvrable than the F-5s.

But the old warhorse has proven its mettle against technologically superior craft.

Lieutenant-Colonel Chia Shih Koon, 144 Squadron's commanding officer, said: 'It's the dedication, professionalism and loyalty of the pilots and ground crew that make the difference.'

Pilot Lieutenant Zhang Zhewei, 26, who joined the squadron when it last won the top prize, said the men put in extra hours and effort to ensure they were in top form during Exercise Hotshot, the RSAF's annual competition among the squadrons.

'But we don't just go out there with the intention of winning the award... It's about doing the best we can every day,' he said.

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.

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