Yes, SAF has been cutting cost since 2-3 years ago. The way it
do it is smart, so that no one will relise. Examples, NS reduce by
6 mth (reason 3G less man power).
Naval suppose to buy 8 most advance heli (eg NH90 &
UH70R&F). But because of reduce cost. Sg delay the heli buy 2
years, reduce the number by 2 and buy the old UH70B which was bulid
in 1982. There will be some upgrade and lot of down grade on SG
UH70B.
NGF has been delay and the number now has beed reduce to 8 only.
(instead of 20 for the first time buy)
Training plane to replace S211 and SF260 will only be replace by a
single type of cheaper plane.
C130H will not be replace and will upgrade later will budget
allow.
SM1 will not replace in the next 5 years.
The SAF did not mention this in order not to affect the moral of
the ppl.
Originally posted by ah_kwang:
Singapore revives naval helicopter competition
Singapore has issued a revised tender for six naval helicopters in
a newly reduced configuration, restarting a procurement delayed two
years by budget constraints, writes Brendan Sobie.
Eurocopter, NH Industries and Sikorsky received a new invitation to
tender late last month and have until 1 June to respond with bids
for the AS532C Cougar, NH90 and S-70, respectively, say industry
sources.
The three manufacturers, originally shortlisted in 2001, submitted
a second round of bids late last year. But Singapore let the bids
expire at the end of March without selecting a winner, presumably
because all three exceeded the budget.
[b]Sources say Singapore, in an attempt to curb costs, has reduced
the capability and quantity of sensors and weapons to be installed
on the helicopters. Singapore is also requesting only four
helicopters to be delivered fully equipped, with options to buy
additional equipment for the other two later.
In previous tenders Singapore asked for costings on six to eight
fully equipped helicopters for six new frigates to be delivered
from 2005. The new bids will be valid through 31 March 2005,
suggesting a contract by the end of the current fiscal year.
Sorry to bring up this old topic about our naval helios.
But it's the first time I saw this article from flight
international about the reduced capability. Seems quite unlikely
that Mindef has budget problems. Brings me to think whether will
our NGF's capability be compromised, hopefully not. If not we won't
be able to fully exploit the technology of Rafale and F15T. Also,
I'm wondering whether it is possible that budget problems led to
the delayed annoucement in NGF selection.
P.S. If this posts happens to be a repeat, I'm truly sorry and pls
lead me to the original post as I haven't been chasing up about
developments of our Naval helios.[/b]
