Future Weapons of SAF

last SG · 2009-01-14T09:38:51+00:00

I am not trying to argue we should have just questioning now that we have a larger and heavier armour force how does SAF going to support and maintain at the...

Commander31 SG

What do you think would the SAF (Army, Navy, Air Force) would operate in 10-30 years' time? Maybe we might get M1 Abrams. And Russia offered the Iskander missile: http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/world/russia/ss-26-iskander-e.htm

As for the C-130H and Super Puma, what do you think would replace it? Methinks C-130J or C-17 for Herk and maybe H-60 or NH-90 for the heli.

Pentaxdude90 SG

I would say the SAF might consider more cost-efficient but effective weapon system in the not-too-distant future. The emphasis has always been on a single platform with a myriad of capabilities, like the F-16.

For tanks, I doubt the Abrams would be chosen cos that beast has proven to be a gas guzzler. The Iskander missile might be a possibility though. And judging by the usefullness and robustness of our current C-130Hs, I'd say the J models might be a shoo-in as a replacement beyond 2015.

But this is just me lah.

Pitot SG

abrams??????????????

for wad?

I-like-flings(m) SG

10-30yrs??? of cos using gundam unit already lah..

Fingolfin_Noldor SG

It is unlikely Singapore will buy C-17s in the near future, and if it doesn't, there won't be any C-17s to purchase except used ones. The factories are on the verge of closing down.

I don't think there's much of a point thinking that far down the road. That sort of thing is a luxury only large nations with large economies and an established industrial base to think about.

alvin-ncs SG

10-30yrs??? of cos using gundam unit already lah..

i will agree with u...=)

slim10 SG

Still think commercial airlift supplemented by far cheaper C-27Js might be a more cost effective airlift solution for the RSAF (less wastage).

For helos, prefer all chinook force. Otherwise UH-60s share same engine as AH-64s (commonality advantage).

With precision hydra rockets & ESSS, UH-60s will also add to battlefield attack (force multiplier). However can't lift Pegasus howitzers (reuse back 105mm? or SRAMs for support instead). Very light lift capacity ~1 coy at a time for 18 helo sqn.

spartan_6 SG

1) 4 C-17A

2) 10-12 Global Hawk UAV

3) 10 C-130J / 2 C-130J-30

4) Hovercraft(Landing)

5) Laser-guided 70mm rockets

6) 2-tonnes FAE Air-Launched Guided munition/155mm FAE ERHB Shells

7) Mini UCAV

8) Naval Ground Mines

9) 3rd & 4th Bratch Of F-15SG To Replaces F-5S

10) 5 P-8 Posidon MMPA + 50 Harpoon C (Air-launched) To Replaces Fokker 50

11) Ester 30 On Frigates + Harpoon Block 2

12) 2nd Bratch Of Maybe 2 More SH-60B + 50 Penguin MK 3

13) 8 T/A-50

14) 2 More KC-135R

15) 48-75 F-35A + Anti-ships Version Of JSOW-C To replaces F-16s

16) Terrex 8x8 To Replaces V-200

17) Armoured Combat Robotic Vehince Armed With 40AGL & Terrex Command Vechice

18) Upgrading Of Twin 35mm AA To Fire AHEAD 35mm Rds With Skyshield 35 Control Radar

6120 SG

slim10 SG

More ground based and air-based laser designators.

More munitions including SDB, JDAMs, LGBs besides those stated.

Field pillows.

Somehow I doubt the last request will be fulfilled. The 35mm guns will not survive this decade.

sgstars SG

Somehow I doubt the last request will be fulfilled. The 35mm guns will not survive this decade.

you mean the 35 pounders that the british left us ?

Commander31 SG

Ok. Well 30yrs is too far so in the shorter run (5-10yrs) what do you think will the SAF buy? C-130J is good choice as are the C-27J and H-60. I agree that the H-60 could be used for assault role too, although if it were in service, CH-47 would carry the Pegasus. P-8A? Well, not sure if we would buy it. If not Abrams than maybe Leopard 2A6 or Challenger 2. Maybe RSAF would replace KC-135 wif A310/A330 tanker or some other US plane like KC-10, KC-767 or KC-777.

Fingolfin_Noldor SG

1) 4 C-17A

Either we get used ones, or we order them this year. The factory is due for closing down unless the US orders more, or some other nation. Or .. we grab Il-76s. That's the closest match.

Realistically? I wouldn't mind if we buy some F-100 type frigates. Great buy and great boost in capability which we don't have.

gd4u SG

2) 10-12 Global Hawk UAV

14) 2 More KC-135R

16) Terrex 8x8 To Replaces V-200

17) Armoured Combat Robotic Vehince Armed With 40AGL & Terrex Command Vechice

18) Upgrading Of Twin 35mm AA To Fire AHEAD 35mm Rds With Skyshield 35 Control Radar

I dun think we will be having a Global Hawk UAV or anything near it in a decade or two. Its overly long endurance seems abit unnecessary for us. I guess a subtle replacement would be a Hermes 900 or similar medium endurance UAVs.

And, I thought the Terrex are rumouredly around? So, the rumours are wrong?

And yes, please throw our 35mm Guns.

Can we have Stingers for our RBS70 replacement ??

Shotgun SG

I though the Global Hawk was confirmed already? SG and AU would operate their Global Hawks out from Guam...

Fingolfin_Noldor SG

If I googled correctly, it is more of a lease than anything. Also, Global Hawk is bloody expensive, more so than an F-16 or even a F-15. I think we can barely afford 6 of them, never mind the need for spare parts and all.

slim10 SG

"you mean the 35 pounders that the british left us ?"

The 35mm AA guns were acquired by the RSAF in the 70s. It was quite a big thing then. Reaching end of life.

"Also, Global Hawk is bloody expensive, more so than an F-16 or even a F-15."

Even MQ-9s were sold at US$40-80m each to Germany and Italy. GH has altitude advantage compared to the H450 but SAF don't envisage there will be medium to high altitude sams in adversary's inventories that will be use in a Singapore war context. Hermes 450s satisfy all mission requirements, far cheaper and in some ways even more cost effective eg laser designator, etc.

Israel seems to be going on a parallel run to develop high altitude UAVs which are cheaper than US. SG could have got the Eitan as well but chose to go ahead with H450s.

"SG and AU would operate their Global Hawks out from Guam..."

Isn't that only a proposal? Too many issues to consider, eg funding, personnel, maintenance etc. If that does materialise, it could form a framework for future joint units/co-operation.

slim10 SG

Just read this in the XX cents newspaper. GH consortium involves 11 countries owning a share... Practically like satellite sale.

http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Latest+News/World/STIStory_163972.html

Sepecat SG

Some equipment can last up to 20-30 years with upgrades - just look at our AMX13, F5s etc So I think a lot of the new stuff we get now or in new future will still be around in 20 to 30 years time.

Air Force

We will have F35s & probably some F16s. Maybe even Typhoons in future ?

Upgraded AH64s will still be around. New gen of utility helis needed to replace Super Pumas.

Maybe A400s to replace C130s

UCAVs to replace Fokker 50s.

Further upgrades to G550s - perhaps will be unmanned in the near future.

Navy

New gen subs will replace the 2 former Vastergotlands. Sjoormen class will be scrapped.

Victory Class will be replaced with new gen of Stealth warships of up to 1000 tons.

Army

Leo2s may still be around in 20 years time although upgraded with new armor, hybrid engine, optronics, all electric turret drives, APS etc

New gen of light tanks with unmanned turret and 120 mm gun

Arapahoe SG

Either we get used ones, or we order them this year. The factory is due for closing down unless the US orders more, or some other nation. Or .. we grab Il-76s. That's the closest match.

Realistically? I wouldn't mind if we buy some F-100 type frigates. Great buy and great boost in capability which we don't have.

i like C-17 but you are right the facilities in Long Beach is closing down.