DATE:01/10/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Singapore air chief eyes new fighter contest
By Stephen Trimble
New fleets of tactical fighters, advanced trainers and maritime
patrol aircraft top the near-term modernisation priorities for the
Republic of Singapore Air Force, the service's top official has
told Flight International. Modernisation will continue at a
consistent pace, with a major new batch of strike aircraft to be
purchased in roughly three-year increments, with an overall goal of
increasing the "strategic depth" of the island state.
Singapore's recent acquisition of Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeyes
extended the air force's potential reaction times to incoming
threats by 20-30min, says Maj Gen Ng Chee Khern. Deciding to buy a
first batch of 24 Boeing F-15SG fighters allows the air force to
exploit the E-2C's expanded arc of surveillance with long-range
missiles and fire control radars.
The first batch of F-15s are replacing a fleet of Douglas A-4
Skyhawks, and the next round of purchasing decisions starting next
year will focus on replacing Singapore's ageing Northrop F-5s with
a new tactical fighter. The choice is between a second batch of
F-15s, Ng says, or signing the country's first order for the
Lockheed Martin F-35A Joint Strike Fighter. In 2002, Singapore
aligned with the JSF programme at the "security co-operation
participant" level, the lowest rung of the four-tier international
team.
Lockheed's development delays have kept Singapore waiting for
nearly two years for data regarding the country's unique final
configuration, Ng says, but that data is expected to be delivered
in early 2008. The step will launch a review phase allowing the air
force to choose either the F-35 or the F-15 for its next fighter
purchase, he says. Ng adds that a major consideration will be the
extent that Singapore is allowed to operate and maintain the
low-observable F-35 with national sovereignty.
Another two manufacturers, meanwhile, will be shortlisted in 2008
for a requirement to supply advanced jet trainers, and a final
choice will be made in 2009, he says. Singapore has already
evaluated the Alenia Aermacchi M-346 and the Korea Aerospace
Industries/Lockheed T-50, with an evaluation team to be sent to the
UK during October to review BAE Systems' Hawk 128.
Singapore is starting to consider whether it should invest in a
replacement or a mid-life update for its fleet of Fokker 50
maritime patrol aircraft, which otherwise must be retired starting
in 2015. In 2006, Singapore received a briefing on the Northrop
Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk, which is also a candidate for the US
Navy's Broad Area Maritime Surveillance programme, while Ng says
Boeing's optionally manned concept using the Gulfstream G550
"might" cover his air force's requirements.
However, despite Boeing having labelled Singapore as a candidate to
buy its C-17 airlifter, the air force has "not a whole lot" of
interest in the aircraft, Ng reveals. The service plans to operate
its Lockheed C-130s for the next 10 to 15 years, and is comfortable
with replacement options that would include the Airbus Military
A400M and the US Army/Air Force-operated Joint Cargo Aircraft, he
says.
