"The pilot successfully ejected and the plane crashed thereafter within Tengah Air Base," it said in a statement.

"The pilot is conscious and able to walk. He is receiving medical attention and no other personnel are hurt."

The ministry said the Singapore jet "experienced an issue during take-off and the pilot responded in accordance with emergency procedures."

It added that it had begun investigating the crash.

Such incidents are extremely rare in the city-state which has the most advanced air force in Southeast Asia.

In 2010, a military helicopter made an emergency landing at an open field near a residential area due to issues with the engine.