Singapore has signalled to the USA that it intends to commit to the follow-on engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) phase of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme and upgrade their involvement.
The island republic is already involved in the current concept demonstration aircraft (CDA) phase of the JSF. Its status is limited to that of fourth tier participant, where it can request and pay for limited information. It has no industrial involvement.
With the CDA due to be concluded by April next year, the JSF programme office has opened talks with potential partners interested in signing for the EMD phase. The USA plans a similar multi-tier level of participation.
This will range from a level one full partner, of which there will only be the UK, down to a level three "observer" investor. Beneath this will be the opportunity for countries to obtain JSF information on a foreign military sales basis.
Singapore's entry as a level three player will create potential opportunities for Singapore Technologies to share in EMD and production work.
The JSF is viewed as a long-term replacement for Singapore's 42 Lockheed Martin F-16C/Ds and seven F-16A/Bs.
Source: Flight International
