Singapore Yet To Choose Between Boeing, Dassault Jets
Wednesday August 24, 4:21 AM EDT
SINGAPORE (AP)--Singapore's Defense Ministry said Wednesday it
hasn't decided whether to buy American F-15 warplanes or
French-made jets to replace its aging fighter fleet.
Singapore plans to replace its A-4 Super Skyhawks, but the
government hasn't said when a decision would be made.
Shortlisted contenders announced in mid-April were the F-15 made by
Boeing Co. (BA)(BA) and the Rafale fighter jet made by Dassault
Aviation S.A. (12172.FR).
Tuesday's Defense Ministry announcement followed notification by
the Pentagon to the U.S. Congress on Monday of a possible sale of
$741 million in F-15 weapons, equipment and training support to
Singapore - a formality that could pave the way for fighter jet
sales.
"It does not signify a decision on the final candidate," a
spokeswoman for the Singaporean Defense Ministry said of the
Pentagon's announcement. She declined in an e-mail to The
Associated Press to be identified, in line with ministry
policy.
U.S. congressional notification is required for any potential
military sale exceeding $50 million, according to the U.S. Embassy
in Singapore.
The Pentagon said its possible sale to Singapore would include 50
air-to- surface missiles guided by satellite, 200 medium-range
air-to-air missiles, 200 short-range missiles, and Sidewinder
air-to-air missiles.
"This proposed sale will provide Singapore with a credible
self-defense capability that will deter aggression in the region
and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces for coalition
operations," the Pentagon said in a statement.
Singapore, a strong U.S. ally, is a major financial center with a
highly modern military.
-Edited by Marissa Chew
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-24-05 0421ET
