RSAF to spend USD$2.43 billion on upgrades for very recent F-16s, waste of money

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

This is what Transparency International meant when it gave SIngapore a D grade for defence spending. Here you have 60 Block 52 and 52+ F-16Ds. These are the most capable F-16s in the world. The last batch was delivered a mere 10 years ago, which in fighter usage is very recently. Even the USAF does not have such new and capable F-16s. Frontline USAF F-16 squadrons operate the Block 40 and Block 50 versions of the F-16, and they have recently embarked on an upgrade program to bring them up to a standardized Block 52 level. The RSAF already has the Block 52 now, but somehow deems that its not enough and want to upgrade it even further. This is coming from a country that has never used its F-16s in combat but somehow thinks that they are inadequate for whatever fantasy mission it has in mind. This is really an overkill and totally unnecessary considering we have as much F-16s as the next 2 countries combined, and their F-16s are the older A/B models as well. In addition, we have force multipliers in the form of KC-135 and AWACS. These are equivalent to adding another 30-40% aircraft in any strike package. I guess someone at Lockheed Martin is really kicking back the bucks to some PAP crony and bag man. Hey don't worry if there is no money for schools and they have to cut back, nor if there is no money to spend to reduce the health care costs of singaporeans, we have USD$2.43 billion to donate to Uncle Sam's economy and labour force.

WASHINGTON, Jan 14, 2014 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress January 13 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for an upgrade of F-16 Block 52 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.43 billion.

The Government of Singapore has requested an upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft. The upgrades will address reliability, supportability, and combat effectiveness concerns associated with its aging F-16 fleet. The items being procured in this proposed sale include:

70 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radars (AESA)
70 LN-260 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems (GPS/INS)
70 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS)
70 APX-125 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Combined Interrogator Transponders
3 AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles
3 TGM-65G Maverick Missiles for testing and integration
4 GBU-50 Guided Bomb Units (GBU) for testing and integration
5 GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions for testing and integration
3 CBU-105 (D-4)/B Sensor Fused Weapons for testing and integration
1 AIS Interface Test Adapters for software updates
1 Classified Computer Program Identification Numbers (CPINs)
4 GBU-49 Enhanced Paveways for testing and integration
2 DSU-38 Laser Seekers for testing and integration
6 GBU-12 Paveway II, Guidance Control Units

Also included are Modular Mission Computers, a software maintenance facility, cockpit multifunction displays, radios, secure communications, video recorders; a Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS); maintenance, repair and return, aircraft and ground support equipment, spare and repair parts, tool and test equipment; engine support equipment, publications and technical documentation; aerial refueling support, aircraft ferry services, flight test; personnel training and training equipment, site surveys, construction, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated cost is $2.43 billion.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore to contribute to regional security. The proposed sale will improve the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia Pacific region.

The proposed upgrade will improve both the capabilities and the reliability of the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) aging fleet of F-16s. The improved capability, survivability, and reliability of newly upgraded F-16s will enhance the RSAFs ability to defend its borders and contribute to coalition operations with other allied forces. The RSAF will have no difficulty absorbing this additional equipment and support into its armed forces.


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