Decision expected in second or third quarter, but republic moves on with naval helicopter and training selections
Singapore is expected to delay the selection of a new fighter until about mid-year, but will move forward this quarter with the selection of a naval helicopter and the release of shortlists for two new training aircraft.
Manufacturers expect the contest between Boeing's F-15T, Dassault's Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon will end with a selection in quarter two or three, instead of early in the year. The three were shortlisted in October 2003 for an initial purchase of eight to 12 aircraft.
The Eurocopter AS532C Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70 were shortlisted in 2001 for a six-aircraft maritime helicopter requirement and a platform selection is now expected this quarter. Funds for the acquisition are included in Singapore's budget for the fiscal year ending 31 March, with the latest round of price quotes also to expire at the end of March.
Manufacturers also expect invitations to tender will be issued within the next couple of months for new primary fixed-wing and helicopter trainers. The Aermacchi M311, Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, Pilatus PC-9M and Raytheon T-6B Texan IIare the favourites to make the fixed-wing shortlist, with the Bell 206 and Eurocopter EC120 tipped to contest the helicopter requirement.
Singapore is considering funding both acquisitions through private finance initiative (PFI) deals and the manufacturers are prepared to respond by offering package deals that include maintenance. Sources say Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAero) has teamed with Bell and Raytheon to provide the maintenance portion of their proposals. The other manufacturers plan to team with maintenance companies in Singapore or Australia, where current S211 fixed-wing trainers are based, or conduct the maintenance themselves.
If Singapore instead decides to go ahead with direct acquisitions, ST Aero would be the favourite to win separate maintenance contracts for both programmes. Singapore will decide shortly whether to pursue PFI deals and a final selection for both trainer platforms is expected in late 2005 or early 2006.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
