Singapore Seeks $325M in F-16 Pilot Training and Support
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Because space is at a premium in Singapore, that country has been training its F-16 pilots for over 17 years at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.
Originally, Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots leased F-16A/B aircraft from the USAF. Now they have F-16C/Ds of their own and they actively participate in US-sponsored exercises and joint training. Singapore’s current arsenal of F-16s number 70 Fighting Falcons, 62 of which are advanced F-16C/D Block 52 aircraft, according to F-16.net.
The Singapore government is seeking to continue that training tradition…
Singapore is asking the US government to continue its F-16C/D pilot proficiency training program at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona under the Peace Carvin program, as well as purchase munitions, services and support for the F-16C/D aircraft. The estimated cost of the request is $250 million.
The Singapore request, which was notified [PDF] to the US Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Sept 9/09, includes: 35,000 20mm cartridges, aircraft modification kits, maintenance, participation in joint training exercises, fuel and fueling services, supply support, flight training, spare and repair parts, support equipment, program support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.
Also, Singapore is requesting to undertake pilot proficiency training at Springfield Air National Guard Base in Ohio. The training would involve leased F-16 aircraft from the USAF. The estimated cost of the training and support is $75 million.
This request, which was also notified [PDF] to the US Congress by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency on Sept 9/09 includes: services and support, training munitions, maintenance, fuel and fueling services, supply support, flight training, spare and repair parts, support equipment, program support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support.
In its announcements, DSCA explained that the proposed foreign military sales:
”...will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the U.S. by helping to improve the security of a critical regional partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for economic progress in Southeast Asia. This proposed sale will help augment the Republic of Singapore’s self-defense capability and will ensure interoperability with U.S. forces coalition operations. Singapore is a firm supporter of U.S. overseas contingency operations.”
Note that these notifications mean that contracts will be concluded for the requests, unless the US Congress successfully intervenes to block specific sales within a 30-day period.
