Originally posted by LazerLordz
Don't forget our Blk52+ can still be the legacy squadron for SEAD
too.And noting that ST Marine has actually a much larger LPD on
plans which was currently turned down by MINDEF, it comes down to
the B and C config.I wouldn't dismiss the C anytime soon.The SAF is
transforming quite fast comparatively and the only natural
progression from frigate and submarine operations is some form of
naval air element.
I agree that SAF is slowly progressing and naval air element is
another area that we got to improve. F-35 is strictly a
carrier-based. It needs catapult for it to launch and there is no
way of launching the C-version off from a LPD (at least from
current LPD design). Former Chief of Navy Liu (forget his name...)
had stated before that given SAF's limited personnel, Singapore
will not operate CV in the near future (unless ST Marine comes up
with a crew-saving design). So F-35C is out.
Originally posted by Delta 5
But there will be a shortfall definitely from 2014 onwards as our
F-5S/T fleet is retired. Moreover the F-35 is not regarded a high
end fighter like the F/A-22 so I feel that we will definitely
acquire some from 2014 onwards, keeping in mind that the F-15T is
meant as an A-4SU replacement and not a F-5S/T replacement.
Even acquiring a fleet of 40 F-15T will just about be sufficient to
replace the now withdrawn fleet of 82 A-4SU Skyhawks. Expecting the
40 new planes to also cover the duties of 53 F-5S/T would be
stretching them a little too much won't it? i.e Replacing
135 warplanes with only 40 new ones? This would result in
a sharp fall in the critical numbers required for us to maintain a
truly effective fighting force.
The F-5S upgrading first took place in 1994. If I'm not wrong
the first upgraded squadron flies in 1999. Official reports have
stated that the upgrade will extend their lifeline by 10 to 15
years. Lets say 2015 is the final deadline, the F-15T will have
attended training in US for 5 years (delivery date believed to be
2008 - 2010). So it's time to bring the 1st batch back. Eventual
procurement will be about 40. W must not forget that RSAF bought 20
F-16C/D Blk52+ just to replace the A-4SU, and also remaining
F-16C/D blk 52 in our orbat. So the F-16 and 20 F-15 will replace
the 80 A-4SU given the superior capability of the 2 over the
skyhawks. The other 20 F-15T will replace the oldest F-5 first.
Rest of the F-5 and shortfall of capability after retirement of
A-4SU and also eventual early retirement or gift to friendly
countries of our F-16s will eventually be replaced by the new
F-35A/B in maybe 2020. 5 squadrons of 20 each is 100 planes not 40.
These 100 more capable new birds will replace 135 old birds. Why
not? I agree that there will definitely be shortfall in capability.
But thats part and parcel.
Also we will maybe not buy F/A-22 due to the very very high cost of
the Raptor. Like what LazerLordz had say, even UK's not getting
them. A report I'd read says that in Asia, only Japan can afford to
buy those planes, but at a limited quantity. So I dun think
Singapore will be buying the raptor, though I personally will want
to see it with the lion head on it. Unless the Singapore dollar is
going so strong that US$1 = S$1... Comments?
