f35 when operational is reported to replace all f5s and f16s....given the large numbers of f16s and the budget available, it is just a reported number given by the press....actual numbers are still pending on several issues...
Again. Who is reporting? I have yet to find a credible source that says 100 units. Only good sources I see say for they're replacing the F35s and A4s. Something MinDef or an accredited news/defence publication. All I see are blogs and enthusiasts.
I require higher standards than a blogger and random forum enthusiasts.
I require higher standards than a blogger and random forum enthusiasts.
Todjaeger
Potstirrer
You might want to calm down a bit there. Until there is an official announcement, the situation is largely one of guesswork. As others have already mentioned, the types of aircraft up for replacement are basically the F-5 and F-16 in RSAF service, along with A-3 Skyhawks in storage.
As things stand now, there are somewhere around 40 F-5's in service, and about that many A-4 Skyhawks in storage. There also are around 70 F-16 Block 52/52+ Falcons in service. Assuming that the F-35 would replace aircraft in service, that means a replacement of ~110 aircraft, and it is quite possible that some of the aircraft being replaced (newer Block 52+ Falcons IMO) would then get moved to storage, replacing stored A-4 Skyhawks.
Again, no definative announcement, but if one looks at what the RSAF has in service and in storage, the age and quantities of some of the platforms and what is becoming available for replacement, then a figure of ~100 F-35 can be guessed at.
If that is not enough for now, I can only suggest contacting the RSAF/MinDef and seeing what official response they will provide.
-Cheers
IIRC, the A-4SU's have already been repaced in frontline service by the F-15SG's and the training aircraft along with the S-211's are to be replaced by Aermacchi M-346's.
As Tod sais, no decisions have been made, so you wn't see anything more credible than the suggestions that have been made already.
Given the cost and increased capability of F-35 and F-15SG type aircraft, there is no guarantee that there will be a 1 for 1 repacement, but no doubt we will see in years to come precisely what decisions Singapore will make in relation to it's TacAir replacement programs...
Todjaeger
Potstirrer
AFAIK the A-4SU's have been removed from service, but about 40 are in storage. Presumably this means that if some event required the RSAF to rapidly obtain additional aircraft, the A-4SU 'Super' Skyhawks could be brought back into service. I also think there might still be some TA-4 Skyhawks performing some training duties in France, but these might also have been stored/removed pending the entry of the M-346's into service.
-Cheers
Twinblade
Member
I believe in around the year 2007, there was a deal between Singapore and India to allow RSAF to train on a regular basis at Kalaikunda Airforce Station, West Bengal, India for a period of 5 years. I haven't heard much of any RSAF activity in India post 2007. Does anyone have an idea about any (rumored) DACT's that might have happened there post 2007 ? or is it too hush hush ?
Singapore ‘leases’ IAF base for 5 yrs
Singapore ‘leases’ IAF base for 5 yrs
The last exercise, SINDEX, held at Kalaikunda Air Force Station, India, was from 2 to 16 Dec 2010. Here's a link with more information on last year's exercise.
We have a sticky on DACT and I strongly recommend that you read the DACT link provided, as Indian press reporting about DACTs is often overly excited.
Singapore by the way also maintains a number of long term detachments in CONUS and this information has been posted in DT before.
By way of background, Singapore has a much smaller air force and is seen as tertiary capable since 1987, while India's air force is much larger but also developing tertiary capabilities with India's induction of refuelers and AWACs. And it's quite common for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to take part in overseas large force employment DACT exercises, including multi-national exercises such as Red Flag (US), Pitch Black (Australia), Cope Tiger (Thailand) and Garuda (France) to name a few.
Last edited:
Twinblade
Member
Thank you. This exercise completely escaped my attention. (to be precise, this is what i was looking for)
Thank you OPSSG, fortunately that was one of the first articles i read as a lurker. I wasn't really looking for chest thumping articles, but was rather surprised by the lack of IAF-RSAF DACT's since 2007, as RSAF spent a lot of money to gain access to Kalaikunda station.
Any upcoming exercises in 2011-12 before the deal expires ? (If that kind of info is in public domain)
Last edited by a moderator:
A lot is a relative concept (we have to spend what we have to spend to make training realistic and meaningful). In terms of basing, the RSAF spends quite a bit more on CONUS and Australia, than India. Having said that the RSAF detechments abroad typically have much longer leases with the host country (often 20 to 25 years).
Singapore's Mindef typically publicises exercises after they take place and not before. Btw, SINDEX typically takes place in the 4th Q of the year. There are some nice pixs of French Armée de l’Air (or FAF), the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the RSAF at Ex Garuda 2010 by Rob Hendriks, who is a member of our forum.
Exercise Garuda BA115 Orange-Caritat, 14 June 2010
Exercise Garuda BA125 Istres-Le Tubé, 16 June 2010
KEY FACTS - RSAF sharpens operational edge in exercise with French and Indian Air Forces
- 1st trilateral exercise between RSAF, FAF and IAF
- 11,500km Journey
- Last leg from Qatar to France: longest flight undertaken by RSAF aircraft at a stretch
- Last leg lasted 7+ hours
- 2 KC-135R tanker aircraft performed AAR for the 6 F-16D Blk 52+
French Magazine article on the exercise: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3.
SGMilitary
New Member
Dear All,
Any updates on RSAF continued development plans?
Any information on the following plan replacement?
1. F-5
2. KC-135R
3. I.HAWK
4. Rbs 70
5. 35MM AA guns
6. Fokker 50 MPA/UTL
7. AS532/AS532 UL
What about procurement plans for more F-15SG?
Please share your feedbacks.
Thank you!
Any updates on RSAF continued development plans?
Any information on the following plan replacement?
1. F-5
2. KC-135R
3. I.HAWK
4. Rbs 70
5. 35MM AA guns
6. Fokker 50 MPA/UTL
7. AS532/AS532 UL
What about procurement plans for more F-15SG?
Please share your feedbacks.
Thank you!
Last edited by a moderator:
Ex SAF Hunter FR74A to fly ...
For anyone who is interested .... FR74A is to fly in an airshow in NZ this coming Sunday. It's been about 4 years since it last flew.
Here is an article / video about it.
SunLive - Jet roar ends a four year silence - The Bay's News First
Good to see this back in the air - haha, maybe RNZN / RNZAF could come to an arrangement with it's owner. <sic>
For anyone who is interested .... FR74A is to fly in an airshow in NZ this coming Sunday. It's been about 4 years since it last flew.
Here is an article / video about it.
SunLive - Jet roar ends a four year silence - The Bay's News First
Good to see this back in the air - haha, maybe RNZN / RNZAF could come to an arrangement with it's owner. <sic>
SGMilitary
New Member
RSAF developments
Greetings all defense enthusiasts.
It was announced that RSAF had issued RFI for 6 MRTT.
Looking forward for more details derived from this RFI and other developments such as new long range MPA, long range tactical transport, ATBM land based air defense system to replace I.HAWKS, possible procurement for more F-15SG, replacement for AS332M Super Puma MLH and others.
Greetings all defense enthusiasts.
It was announced that RSAF had issued RFI for 6 MRTT.
Looking forward for more details derived from this RFI and other developments such as new long range MPA, long range tactical transport, ATBM land based air defense system to replace I.HAWKS, possible procurement for more F-15SG, replacement for AS332M Super Puma MLH and others.
.
Interview: Ng Eng Hen, Singapore Defense Minister | Defense News | defensenews.com
"We have modest defence needs, relatively".
Looking at what Singapore got already, "modest" is not the first word that comes to mind...
I was laughing when I saw your quote. BTW, the former Chief of Air Force said Singapore had a small air force (with 5 fighter squadrons). In Singapore speak S$600,000 is peanuts and we have a small air force with modest defence needs to achieve its stated mission. hahaha
Last edited:
Ananda
The Bunker Group
He's being 'Honest'. Singapore defense is 'modest' in truth, 'relative' to China or India. He's said 'relatively' right.
Modest in terms of overall numbers perhaps. In terms of quality, neither China nor India are within light years of the RSAF at present.
Some questions about radar.
Hi, I'm kinda new here, so go easy on me.
I got some questions. More like statements actually and i want to just see if they are accurate?
1. Singapore procured the four G550 CAEW. How far is the range of that radar? Is it 400km? That would be as far as KL from Singapore? So with 4 birds up in the sky, connected via datalinks, that would cover about the entire of the South China Sea?
2. What about ground based radars? If they're bigger, they'd have stronger transmitters and receivers, but their position on the ground instead of up in the air, would mean about a similar range?
3. Somewhere earlier in this thread someone meantioned that the F-15SG's AESA Radar (or any of the other fighter's radar) would light up the sky. But would it be possible for the fighters to be more tactical by switching off its radar and operating solely from the datalink feed from an accompanying G550 or any other ground based radar? Is this also possible with the radar systems from and for other platforms like the navy's frigates?
I'm guessing what I am saying is more or less accurate, but any confirmation or thoughts that you guys can give would be great.
Cheers.
Hi, I'm kinda new here, so go easy on me.
I got some questions. More like statements actually and i want to just see if they are accurate?
1. Singapore procured the four G550 CAEW. How far is the range of that radar? Is it 400km? That would be as far as KL from Singapore? So with 4 birds up in the sky, connected via datalinks, that would cover about the entire of the South China Sea?
2. What about ground based radars? If they're bigger, they'd have stronger transmitters and receivers, but their position on the ground instead of up in the air, would mean about a similar range?
3. Somewhere earlier in this thread someone meantioned that the F-15SG's AESA Radar (or any of the other fighter's radar) would light up the sky. But would it be possible for the fighters to be more tactical by switching off its radar and operating solely from the datalink feed from an accompanying G550 or any other ground based radar? Is this also possible with the radar systems from and for other platforms like the navy's frigates?
I'm guessing what I am saying is more or less accurate, but any confirmation or thoughts that you guys can give would be great.
Cheers.