Flight International 5-11 August 2003
Delays
Brendon Sobie/Singapore
Budget Constraints limit Singapore shopping list
Need for fighters and naval helicopters mean new trainers and C-130
upgrade must wait
Singapore has put on hold an Aermacchi S211 trainer replacement and
Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules upgrade as new fighters and naval
helicopters consume the defense budget.
Too many requirements are competing for a defense budget that may
increase less than expected because of a revenue shortfall created
by SARS outbreak.
Singapore also has requirements for airborne early warning aircraft
and unmanned air vehicles that could leapfrong long-standing C-130
and trainer requirements.
Singapore is considering privately operated basic trainer, and
manufacturers including Embrarer, Korea Aerospace
Industries and Pilatus have provided information.
Singapore was close awarding a cockpit upgrade contract for its
C-130C/Hs to Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero) two years
ago. Derco Aerospace was to supply new auxiliary power units and
enviornmental control systems, but manufacturers - including BAE
Systems, Elbit Systems, Israel Aircraft Industries, Lockheed Martin
and Raytheon - have been discussing partnerships with ST Aero
(Flight International, 1-7
JUly).
Budget contraints also threaten to affect planned fighter and
helicopter procurements. Singapore s expected to ask for
best and final proposals this month from three naval
helicopter manufacturers and to downselect by mid-September three
of six copleting fighter manufacturers.
The Eurocopter ASS32C Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70
helicopters are being evaluated, with a selection expected
late this year and contract like next
Feburary. Singapore is expected to seek six to
eight helicopters with deliveries around
2007.
A contract for 10 fighters, plus 10 options, is scheduled
for mid-2004, with deliveries near the end of the decade. The
Boeing F-15, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Eurofighter Typhon are
expected to be shortlisted, with the Boeing F/A-18, Dassualt Rafale
and Suhkoi Su-35 being eliminated.