>>> Singapore picks F15


THE SINGAPORE government yesterday picked Boeing fighter jet, F-15 to replace its air force's ageing A-4SU 'Super' Skyhawks.

An agreement sealing the deal is expected to be inked by year's end.

The decision capped seven years of intensive study and evaluation of the F-15 Eagle and several other types including the Rafale, F-18 Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-30 and the Typhoon.

Details of the buy are not available; however, defence analysts believe that between eight and 12 aircraft including armaments are in the package.

The F-15 has been combat proven, having seen action in the Balkans conflict, Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and the 2nd Gulf War. Notably on 7 June 1981, Israel deployed F-15s and F-16s to attack and destroy successfully, Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor.

Its combat record could have figured strongly in Singapore's decision to buy it. Interchangeable American Standard aircraft general spares are another consideration. Several aircraft types - KC135 and F-16 among others - in the RSAF* inventory are American-made.

Singapore has always been pragmatic, prudent and extremely careful in her defence acquisitions. This is borne out recently by what Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, "We do not go for the most advanced or the most expensive equipment. Instead, we acquire what is cost-effective, what best meets our specific operational needs."

After seven years of study, the Eagle purchase is perhaps Singapore's best informed defence decision to date. The result seems worthy of the long wait.


*Note: RSAF is Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Acknowledgement with sincere thanks to:
Nick Challoner at his Website at http://www.challoner.com/ for the A4SU illustration.