As we have, in many other threads, discussed before, RSAF's
requirements for the next generation fighters are to replace the A4
in the deep strike, penetration, mud moving roles, and F16 in the
BVR A2A roles, while the F16s Vipers will replace the A4s CAS and
battlefield interdiction roles.
I believe the current F2 version offered by Dassault and the
eventual F3 version (when and if available when theoretically RSAF
gets them out of the production line) will fully meet these roles.
However, the cavaet is that the F2/F3 version will only be fully
equipped with French/European weapons, ie. if Singapore wants
Rafales to be intergrated with all NATO compliant weapons, or more
rightly in RSAF case, US and Israeli made missiles, then Singapore
will have to pay for it itself. Dassult put it long and clear. It
would not also create a special export version with other
non-French requirements or integration of non standard equipments
out of Dassault's own pocket. The French or the foreign govt will
have to foot the development bills.
The question now is, how would this news affect RSAF selection?
Would this harm Dassualt's chance of its first foreign export of
its priced fighter? I think Not. This is because Rafale, as it
current stands in its current form (F1/F2), is already a very
capable platform. The F3 will enhance the platform further, just
like the Block 50+/60 Vipers, which are just phased upgrade of the
current RSAF Vipers. RSAF can always enter into a contract with
Dassault to have the option to go with the upgrade at a
pre-determined priced. Of course, this will be factor into the
selection criteria. Eurofighter Typhoon will have the exact same
situation, so would the E/F Superbugs and the Russian SU-30s.
Vipers and the -E Strike Eagles are the only two with such a
conditions I believe. Block 60 Vipers are totally new built with
all the new stuffs developed for UAE and funded by them. The -E
version Strike Eagles have very minimal growth left in them because
the USAF would not be putting a lot more money upgrading , what is
an essentially a dying fleet. Their places will be overtaken by the
new Raptors.
Super bugs, the Su-30s, Typhoons and the Rafales are still
relatively "young" and have lots of growth potential. I believe
these are a essential attribute for RSAF when they come down to
shortlisting the six. Once again, my money is on Rafale, Typhoon
and the Super bugs, and in this order too 
