The accord, the first of its kind in France, involves a detachment from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) that has set up its house in this southeastern French air force base near the Atlantic ocean for training purposes. Why France? Simply because tiny Singapore lacked space for pilot training.

With the pilots came the families and children who have had to adapt to a new culture, language and climate in this backwater French town which, with its open spaces and easy living, is radically different from the densely populated "concrete jungle" of Singapore, as one pilot puts it.

Cazaux, with a population of 40,000 is located close to Bordeaux, noted for its fine wines.

``Beside training, we are also here to enjoy the way of life and the culture,'' said Lieutenant Colonel Tan Boon Poo, 40, thedetachment commander and first to arrive here in June last to lay the groundwork for the project.

``We love French food and of course you can't complain about the wine. This is an experience you can't buy.''

He said the Cazaux Air Base was chosen to train combat pilots on 18 US Super Skyhawk ground attack aircraft. Climate apparently also played a part, as the alternative for the RSAF was a US air base in Alaska.

French air force officials said a major effort was made to welcome the Singaporean detachment and ease their families' integration with French culture

``Everyone had to take 120 hours of French and we took lessons in French culture,'' said Major Koh Toh Yong, 32, an engineer.

The impact on the local economy -- 340 million francs ($58 million ) -- has also been a blessing.