Singapore aims to secure JSF delivery as early as possible as it gets ready to formally join SDD phase
In a matter of weeks, Singapore plans to sign a letter of agreement to join the JSF system development and demonstration (SDD) phase as a security co-operation partner (SCP).
Singapore is expected to invest $50 million in the programme after having confirmed its intention to join SDD in February this year. It wants JSF delivery as early as possible, and is hoping it can gather sufficient information as an SCP to determine what delivery schedule it can expect before it selects a replacement for air force McDonnell Douglas A-4SUs.
In October, Singapore shortlisted the Boeing F-15T, Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon for its interim fighter requirement, and said a final selection would be made in late 2004 or 2005. An initial purchase of eight interim fighters is planned, with some contenders indicating this could rise to as many as 60 aircraft.
Industry sources suggest Singapore has already gained US support for JSF delivery slots from 2012. But for this to occur, at least five partner countries would have to allow Singapore to acquire aircraft ahead of them. Lockheed Martin believes 2012 JSF delivery slots for the SCP members - and even foreign military sales (FMS) customers - are realistic because several partner countries are seeking deliveries after that time.
Earlier this month, Lockheed Martin discussed deliveries as early as 2012 with South Korea, a potential FMS customer. "A lot of countries have indicated they have interest [in early deliveries] because there are a lot of ageing aircraft out there," says Lockheed Martin director of business development for Asia-Pacific, David Scott.
South Korea is viewed as the most likely second Asian customer after Singapore. Last year, South Korea selected the Boeing F-15K as its next fighter, but deliveries of the 40 F-15s on order will wrap up in 2008.
Scott says all Boeing F/A-18, Boeing/BAE Systems Harrier, Dassault Mirage and Lockheed Martin F-16 operators are candidates for FMS sales, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand. Taiwan is to look at a new-generation fighter shortly, but Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand seem long shots given their more limited budgets.
Tentative slotsAlthough tentative JSF delivery slots could be pledged as early as next year, Singapore would not be able to consider these as firm until it signed a production letter of agreement in 2007 or 2008. Most observers believe Singapore will not be able to get JSF until several years after the planned 2008-9 delivery of its first interim fighter, and is unlikely to risk cancelling its interim fighter programme in the near term.
However, Lockheed Martin believes securing early JSF delivery slots could prompt Singapore to reconsider the interim fighter plan, given the cost associated with supporting a new type and the possibility there may be only three years separating JSF and the interim acquisition. The Lockheed Martin Block 60 F-16 was excluded from Singapore's interim fighter shortlist. The air force is taking delivery of 20 Block 52 F-16s next year, and upgrades to Block 60 remain a possibility.
Options for direct Singaporean industrial involvement in the programme are limited. Singapore Technologies Aerospace says it expects its main role would be to support any air force JSF acquisition.
Source: Flight International
