Singapore’s F-15 jets training in Australia could be reason for loud boom over Perth: MINDEF

SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) F-15 fighter jets training out of an air base near Perth could be the reason a loud boom was heard over parts of the city on Wednesday (Aug 21), said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Thursday.
Australian media outlets reported that a loud boom was heard in Perth’s southern suburbs and many people felt their windows rattle just before noon. 
In response to media queries, MINDEF said four RSAF F-15 jets are training out of the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Base Pearce from Aug 13 to Sep 6. 
The base is located in Bullsbrook, just outside Perth.
“The F-15 aircraft are flying about 70km from the coast at above 24,000 feet over sea in the designated training area. Initial findings indicate that the noise could have come from the training aircraft,” MINDEF said. 
It added that the loud noise was “unexpected” as the aircraft were far out at sea. 
“The RSAF appreciates the continued support of the RAAF and the local community for our training from RAAF Base Pearce.
“The RSAF apologises for any alarm that the training activity may have caused,” it said.
ABC News reported that thousands of people had flooded social media after the boom rattled windows from Mandurah to Fremantle and inland at Byford.
One person in Gosnells told the news outlet she felt a “huge rumble and movement” and that she had never experienced anything like it before.  
Another woman in Keysbrook said she thought a truck had crashed on her street after a “massive boom” shook her house. 
The RAAF is hosting an extended fighter aircraft detachment from the RSAF, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) said on its website on Jul 3.
The detachment will be in Australia from Jun 24 to Oct 18.
Senior ADF Officer Wing Commander Greg Porche said: “We welcome a new element of the Republic of Singapore Air Force to RAAF Base Pearce, who have established an aviation training presence here over the past 30 years.”
Commander Fighter Group of the RSAF Colonel Jonavan Ang said it is grateful for Australia’s strong support and friendship.
“This detachment highlights the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Australia,” he added.
“We are also very appreciative of the strong community support given to the Republic of Singapore Air Force over the years.”
According to the flying schedule on the RAAF website, F-15 night flying operations will be conducted from Aug 26 to Aug 28. 
Training of F-16 aircraft will take place from Sep 9 to Oct 18, with night flying operations to be held from Sep 30 to Oct 2. 
The RAAF held community engagement sessions and sent a letter to residents, informing them of the increased flying operations during the period.
“Whilst every opportunity to reduce impacts to the local community will be taken, flying is subject to change due to variables such as air traffic control requirements, weather, and other aviation considerations,” the RAAF said.