THE REPUBLIC OF Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has reached an agreement with the US Air Force to carry out a structural life-extension on its Lockheed Martin F-16A/Bs.
USAF civilian contractors will perform the depot-level work locally at Singapore's Tengah AB. The structural strengthening "Falcon Up" and modification programme is expected to start around July and take two to three months to complete.
Singapore Technologies Aerospace (STAe) had originally planned to undertake the Falcon Up work, with initial assistance from the USAF. The RSAF subsequently decided to award the contract for all seven F-16 Block 15OCU aircraft to the USAF.
The decision is likely to prove a disappointment to STAe, which is known to have been looking to enhance its F-16A/B support capabilities, as a follow-on to the company's Northrop F-5E/F and McDonnell Douglas A-4SU upgrade work.
Defence sources suggest that the move raises question over the future of the RSAF's F-16A/B fleet. It had been considering acquiring additional secondhand F-16A/Bs and upgrading the fighters locally, but may now dispose of its existing aircraft and concentrate solely on the F-16C/D.
The RSAF has ordered 18 F-16C/Ds, with delivery of the aircraft due to begin in 1998. It has also taken a further option on an additional six F16C/Dwith options for six more.
Additional F-16s leased from the USAF are based in the USA for RSAF pilot training.
Source: Flight International
