Singapore Yet To Choose Between Boeing, Dassault Jets
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Singapore Yet To Choose Between Boeing, Dassault Jets
Wednesday August 24, 4:21 AM EDT
SINGAPORE (AP)--Singapore's Defense Ministry said Wednesday it hasn't decided whether to buy American F-15 warplanes or French-made jets to replace its aging fighter fleet.
Singapore plans to replace its A-4 Super Skyhawks, but the government hasn't said when a decision would be made.
Shortlisted contenders announced in mid-April were the F-15 made by Boeing Co. (BA)(BA) and the Rafale fighter jet made by Dassault Aviation S.A. (12172.FR).
Tuesday's Defense Ministry announcement followed notification by the Pentagon to the U.S. Congress on Monday of a possible sale of $741 million in F-15 weapons, equipment and training support to Singapore - a formality that could pave the way for fighter jet sales.
"It does not signify a decision on the final candidate," a spokeswoman for the Singaporean Defense Ministry said of the Pentagon's announcement. She declined in an e-mail to The Associated Press to be identified, in line with ministry policy.
U.S. congressional notification is required for any potential military sale exceeding $50 million, according to the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.
The Pentagon said its possible sale to Singapore would include 50 air-to- surface missiles guided by satellite, 200 medium-range air-to-air missiles, 200 short-range missiles, and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
"This proposed sale will provide Singapore with a credible self-defense capability that will deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces for coalition operations," the Pentagon said in a statement.
Singapore, a strong U.S. ally, is a major financial center with a highly modern military.
-Edited by Marissa Chew
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
08-24-05 0421ET -
Er... anyone know how long this selection has been going on?
I know Mindef is careful with their evaluations and such, but this feels like its been going on forever!
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How come the Eagle not brought in our Skyhawk already retired prematurely... or maybe our Hawk not retired at all they are hidden oversea...in event of a war ..they will carry out their strike from there
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Hmm...anione got any idea that until when will the USAF will operate the F-15
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All F-15A/Bs have been retired. 130 airframes remain in storage.Originally posted by kaka_22:Hmm...anione got any idea that until when will the USAF will operate the F-15
The F-15C/Ds (450 airframes) will be retired from Jan 2006 onwards...
F-15Es (200 airframes) however will remain in service till 2030 and possibly beyond.
Source: Air International World Air Forces Directory 2004