The Republic of Singapore Air Force is in the throes of finding replacements for two squadrons of A-4SU Super Skyhawks. Despite extensive and ambitious upgrades, the aircraft are nearing the end of their useful lives.
Their replacements, to be selected under the Next Fighter Replacement programme (also known as the Next Generation Fighter programme) will have a greater role than the Skyhawks' basic air defence capability.
The three types shortlisted in October 2003 are the Boeing F-15T (a version of the F-15E believed to be similar to the Israeli F-15I), the Dassault Rafale, and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Boeing F/A18E Super Hornet, the Sukhoi Su-35 and the Lockheed Martin F-16 were not selected.
Singapore has been extraordinarily reticent about the fighter requirement. It is understood the candidate aircraft must be capable of carrying conformal fuel tanks for the full required range. There have also been suggestions that Israeli weapons (and perhaps some Israeli avionics systems) might have to be integrated.
About 30 Super Skyhawks remain in service with two frontline squadrons at Tengah, and with a training squadron at Cazaux in France, though one of the frontline units is expected to convert to the F-16C later this year.
Singapore hopes to acquire an initial batch of eight Next Generation Fighters, with options on 12-16 more.
In the longer term, about 45 F-5S and two-seat F-5T fighter/ground attack aircraft and about eight RF-5S reconnaissance aircraft will need replacing. Originally procured as air defence fighters, the F-5s were cascaded to the fighter-bomber role when replaced by the F-16. Their replacement may be the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, since Singapore became a fourth-level participant in the JSF programme on 23 March 1999, giving it 'observer' status.
Source: Flight Daily News
