The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has awarded a contract extension to BAE Systems to support its Air Grading Centre (AGC) – Flying Training Institute (FTI) from its flight training academy located in Tamworth, New South Wales.
As part of this new deal, the company will continue delivering aircraft, purpose-built training facilities, instructor training, student accommodation and recreational facilities to RSAF until the end of 2019.
BAE Systems Australia Aerospace director Steve Drury said: "We are honoured to continue providing the Singapore Air Force with aircraft and training equipment to meet their future aircrew training needs.
"This extension with the RSAF maintains our broad customer base beyond the Australian Defence Force, which is an important element of our long-term flight training business in Tamworth."
With this new development, the RSAF will be able to increase the number of students who are undertaking air grading from 220 to 240 every year.
In addition, the AGC will receive continued support from a permanent detachment of 12 RSAF personnel.
Meanwhile, the US has approved a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to Singapore that will see the delivery of F-16 Block 52 upgrade programme and associated equipment, parts and logistical support.
This $130m sale for the upgrade will cover reliability, supportability and combat effectiveness was approved in May. It concerns associated with its ageing F-16 fleet.
BAE Advanced Systems is one of the principal contractors for this sale.
Image: BAE Systems’ Steve Drury and Barnaby Joyce with RSAF AGC acting commanding officer major Aaron Ang. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
