Singapore PLANS to purchase an additional four Boeing CH-47SD Super Chinook helicopters to supplement six earlier CH-47Ds and four improved -47SDs already on order. It is also embarking on a search for six to 12 naval helicopters to equip a planned fleet of new corvettes. Selection of the maritime helicopter is expected to be tied to a larger requirement for a Bell UH1H utility replacement.
In the meantime, senior industry sources say a request for proposals is expected to be issued for a new multi-role fighter for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) next year. The RSAF may make a fighter selection as early as 2001, according to the sources.
Contenders are the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 50+ and Sukhoi Su-30. Singapore has joined the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programme as a low-level participant, but the JSF is unlikely to be available in time.
Source: Flight International
