PLAN with its current modernization program will grow but will
become a regional maritime power capable of active offshore defence
at most. In the foreeable future, PLAN naval air arm, with its Su
27K Flanker, remains rather ineffective in engaging ships with
modern air defence system. With its limited range it is no threat
to even the sampan along the malacca straits or at the south china
sea. Aircraft carrier remains in the discussion stage and
projection of power would likely be carried out mainly by its
submarine fleet. What has RSAF Eagles got to do with such a threat
or no threat?
If there were a war in the Taiwan Straits, it will not be necessary
for China to secure the straits of malacca, it will be for the US
to control the straits to block supplies to China, but will
Malaysia and Indonesia allow?? if China choose to start the war,
would they not have sufficient supplies to pre-empt a possible
naval blockage? US carrier task force will come from Japan or
across the pacific, Malacca straits may not be that important for
an immediate and direct conflict between the US and China.
If the US were prepared to go to war with china over taiwan, would
singapore want to be involved, against China? Malaysia and
Indonesia certainly do not view the threat of China the way some
singaporeans view and they certainly do not fight war as allies of
the US, I cannot see how RMAF planes could be flying along RSAF
Eagles against Chinese planes.
Many countries would be affected by a war in the taiwan straits but
how many want to be involved? Even against iraq, most countries in
the world chose to stay out. Is it wise for Singapore to stand
along side the US against China? for what? that is a question for
politicians to think very very carefully. In the meantime, the RSAF
should refrain from showing off.
SAF should continue to be modernized against direct threats to the
existance of singapore , and our position in the international
theatre should continue to be strengthened through sound foreign
policies and international cooperations. Taking China as our
perceived enemy is not a sound foreign policy and buying plane in
anticipation of participation in a war 1000 miles away is rather
far fetched.
If RSAF planes should one day be fighting against a SU-30, this
SU-30 is not likely to be flown by a chinese pilot. I believe the
guys in Mindef knows where our threats are likely to come
from.
I am surprised and a little disappointed that Eurofighter is out of
contention now. F-15 is still too old an aircraft. A newer aircraft
from Europe can gain us access to the european technologies,
training facilities and military doctrines.
