Several factors favoured the
F-15.
1) The other competitors did not have aesa at
selection time. This means upgrade requirement that cost $ and not
sure how performance will be like.
2) Munitions fit, cheaper JSOW was on offer.
JSOW = US$3XXk. Storm shadow/SCALP would have cost $m+. Typhoon and
rafale not integrated for JSOW.
3) Inter-operability. F-16 weapons and certain
pods can be used for F-15. Sniper pod for Typhoon may need some
changes before can use on F-16 or vice versa. Also include spares
and logistics. Also no worry about integration with G550 AEW and
other US-sourced military equipment already in service eg IFF with
Hawk sam etc.
4) Training. Pilots benefit from US pilot
training programme.
5) Protection money to big brother.
6) Similar aircraft means can borrow big
brother airplanes if own ones not enough.
7) ST eng already familiar with similar engine
servicing and maintenance techniques.
8) 100% Link-16 operability.
9) Re-basing. Can use all bases that currently
support USAF/ROK/Japan/Israel F-15s. When going for exercise, no
need to bring too much baggage.
10) Access to Israel’s EW gadgets already
developed for their F-15s and future gadget.
11) Boeing discounts for keeping line open on a
legacy aircraft.
12) Large number of existing F-15s means more
spares, more available spares and
cheaper spares.
13) Future of Typhoon and rafale programmes
uncertain at point of selection.
14) Future US weapons will be integrated into
US aircraft first. This means SG F-15s have first access to
weapons. Will take longer to integrate into typhoon/rafale, if
integrated at all.
15) Access to munitions. US maintains huge
stocks of munitions available at a phone call. Pre-loaded ships
pre-positioned in certain US facilities can be shipped very
quickly. Want to get from UK , France, Russia, a lot
slower.
16) Not sure what problems with Typhoon/rafale
will crop up. Older aircraft = problems identified and fixed or
solutions available.
17) Every avionics or electronic device on
typhoon or rafale has similar equivalent in F-15 but not vice
versa.
18) F-15 payload is larger than typhoon or
rafale and more important can carry max load further with less
penalty.
19) F-15 got CFT and hence better loitering
with fewer tanker mission required.
20) S$ exchange rate with US$ low at point of
selection vs Euro at record height.
Not enough factors, can list
somemore.