The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of an upgrade of F-16 Block 52 aircraft and associated equipment to Singapore.
Under the estimated $2.43bn sale, Singapore has requested for an upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft through supply of 70 each active electronically scanned array radars (AESA), LN-260 embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation systems (GPS/INS), joint helmet mounted cueing systems (JHMCS) and APX-125 advanced identification friend or foe (IFF) combined interrogator transponders.
The package also includes three AIM-9X Block II captive air training missiles, three TGM-65G Maverick missiles, four GBU-50 guided bomb units (GBU), five GBU-38 joint direct attack munitions (JDAM) and three CBU-105 (D-4)/B sensor fused weapons.
In addition to this, four GBU-49 Enhanced Paveways, two DSU-38 laser seekers for testing and integration, one AIS interface test adapters for software updates, one classified computer program identification numbers (CPINs), and six GBU-12 Paveway II guidance control units are included in the package.
Singapore also requested for modular mission computers, a software maintenance facility, cockpit multifunction displays, radios, secure communications, video recorders, a joint mission planning system (JMPS), maintenance, aircraft and ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment and other related elements of logistics and programme support.
The upgrades are expected to address reliability, supportability and combat effectiveness concerns associated with the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) ageing F-16 fleet, which in turn will enhance the service’s ability to defend its borders and contribute to coalition operations with other allied forces.
The potential sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the US by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore, which continues to serve as an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia Pacific region.
Image: An F-16 fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the Republic of Singapore Air Force. Photo: courtesy of Luhai Wong.
