Just saw this this article that was just published by Flight
International thru' Alert 5[url]http://www.flightinternational.com/Articles/2005/08/30/Navigation/190/201234/Singapore+closes+in+on+next-generation+fighter+.html
Even though the winner is yet to-be announced, but it gives us a
pretty good idea of the POSSIBLE winner.
Standby everyone, D-Day is end-Sep.
Singapore closes in on next-generation
fighter
Boeings F-15T is favourite to beat Dassault Rafale, but decision
could slip into 2006
Singapore is expected to select its next-generation fighter by the
end of September, with Boeings F-15T considered
the frontrunner for the eight- to 12-aircraft requirement.
Negotiations with the US manufacturer and French rival Dassault
concluded about two months ago, resulting in preliminary contracts
for the F-15T and Rafale.
Industry sources say a selection must be made by the end of
September to preserve Singapores requirement for 2008 deliveries,
but it could delay the acquisition until 2006 and settle for 2009
deliveries.
Singapores Defence Science & Technology Agency has completed
its evaluation of the F-15T and Rafale and is believed to be
recommending the Boeing fighter, although the selection must still
be approved by top levels of Singapores government.
The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency last week notified
Congress of the potential F-15T sale, allowing it 30 days to
respond to the proposal. While the sale is not expected to be
challenged, Singapore wants to make sure it receives the weapons
package it seeks through foreign military sales channels before a
commercial contract is awarded for the aircraft and engines.
The 22 August notification reveals that Singapore is seeking an
extensive armaments package, including 200 AIM-120 Amraam and 200
AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to air missiles, 50 GBU-38 Joint Direct
Attack Munitions and 30 AGM-154A Joint Stand-off Weapons, both
armed with BLU-111 warheads, and 30 unitary warhead-equipped
AGM-154Cs. Singapore has also requested 24 Link 16 multifunctional
information distribution system low-volume terminals and 44
AVS-9(V) night vision goggles.
The F-15 variant offered to Singapore is similar to the 40 F-15Ks
due for delivery to South Korea from October, but will feature
Raytheons APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array radar.
Singapore plans to order eight to 12 aircraft, plus eight to 12
options, but could acquire more if Lockheed Martins F-35 Joint
Strike Fighter is further delayed.
Dassaults Rafale is seen as the outsider, as Singapore would be
the launch customer for the types export version, which requires
the addition of new equipment. The competition has already been
delayed by more than one year and another delay beyond September
would require new bids from the manufacturers.