F-16 Fighting Falcon News

January 14, 2014 (by Lorna Jons) - 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.

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.