The Strike Eagles are landing

The Ministry of Defence said it is in the final stage of negotiations with Boeing for its new generation of fighter, indicating the US-made F-15 Eagle had won over the French-built Rafale. In a statement, Mindef said it was "now in the process of seeking final clarifications and contract negotiations with Boeing" on the contract, estimated in the industry to be worth about US$1 billion ($1.7 billion).

The Rafale and F-15 were shortlisted for the deal after the Eurofighter Typhoon was knocked out. The new fighter will replace a squadron of aging A4SU Super Skyhawks. Experts believe the decision will be closely watched as Singapore is seen as a "picky" buyer whose choices influence other countries.

flightinternational.com :

Singapore is expected to select its next-generation fighter by the end of September, with Boeing's F-15T considered the frontrunner for the eight- to 12-aircraft requirement. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency last week notified Congress of the potential F-15T sale. While the sale is not expected to be challenged, Singapore wants to make sure it receives the weapons package it seeks through foreign military sales channels before a commercial contract is awarded for the aircraft and engines.

The 22 August notification reveals that Singapore is seeking an extensive armaments package, including 200 AIM-120 Amraam and 200 AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to air missiles, 50 GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions and 30 AGM-154A Joint Stand-off Weapons, both armed with BLU-111 warheads, and 30 unitary warhead-equipped AGM-154Cs.

The F-15 variant offered to Singapore is similar to the 40 F-15Ks due for delivery to South Korea from October, but will feature Raytheon's APG-63(V)3 active electronically scanned array radar. Singapore plans to order eight to 12 aircraft, plus eight to 12 options, but could acquire more if Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is further delayed.

Post a Comment:

Comments are closed for this entry.

« WebLogic Domain/Clus... | Main | Indonesia to use... »

Most popular blog postings on lowem.log :

1. Singapore SIBOR interest rates fall to 1.5%, lowest since Dec 2004
2. Singapore SIBOR rate falls to 1.31%, lowest since Nov 2004
3. Live spot gold price quotes chart on COMEX
4. Fuel prices seen stoking Malaysia inflation in 2008
5. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid preliminary specifications released
6. Singapore SIBOR rate fell to 1.25% in Apr 2008, lowest since Aug 2004
7. Malaysia inflation rate jumps to 7.7% in Jun 2008, a 26-year record high
8. Singapore : electricity tariffs to increase April 2008 on rising oil prices

Featured articles on lowem.log :

1. ABC Guide to Beating Inflation in Singapore and Elsewhere
2. Singapore inflation rate hits new 26-year high of 7.5% in Apr 2008
3. Singapore : Bread price inflation continues
4. 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid preliminary specifications released
5. Peakoiler buys 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid FD3
6. How to insert currency exchange rates into Google Spreadsheets
7. Singapore SIBOR rate falls to 0.94% in Nov 2008, lowest since Jul 2004
8. Singapore : Inflation erodes away bank savings