 In May 1962 the Australian Government decided to deploy a squadron of CAC Sabre fighters to Thailand to bolster that country 's defences . This action was undertaken as part of Australia 's Southeast Asia Treaty Organization ( SEATO ) commitment to defend Thailand against attack from its Communist neighbours , which was thought likely to occur . The United States , United Kingdom and New Zealand also deployed forces to Thailand in response to this perceived threat , though Malaysia and several other SEATO members chose not to be involved . On 28 May , Minister for Defence Athol Townley announced that Australia 's contribution would be an RAAF squadron equipped with Sabre fighters . The eight aircraft , along with their pilots and ground crew , were drawn from No. 77 Squadron , which formed part of Australia 's Commonwealth Strategic Reserve forces at RAAF Base Butterworth in Malaysia . In order to preserve Malaysia 's neutrality , the Sabres were flown to Thailand via Singapore . This force was designated No. 79 Squadron while at Tengah Air Base in Singapore on 29 May . ( I ) 
