The Republic of Singapore Air Force is the first foreign customer for the latest Pilatus PC-21 turboprop trainer with Singapore’s new flight training program being handled by Lockheed Martin. The U.S. firm achieved a key milestone in the RSAF’s Basic Wings Course (BWC) flight training program with a successful first flight in January of a specially-configured Pilatus PC-21. The Singapore Defence Science and Technology Agency in November 2006 awarded Lockheed Martin a 20-year contract to support the Basic Wings Course, with training to commence in June 2008. As the BWC training systems integrator, Lockheed Martin's role is to provide aircraft, maintenance, simulators, courseware and simulator instructors to the Republic of Singapore's 130 Squadron at Royal Australian Air Force Base Pearce, north of Perth in Western Australia. Lockheed Martin also provides ground school instructors in Singapore's Air Force School. BWC allows the squadron to primarily concentrate on high-quality flight instruction. Switzerland-based Pilatus Aircraft will deliver the advanced PC-21 turboprop trainer and logistics support, while Hawker Pacific Ltd. will provide maintenance support.