F-16 Fighting Falcon News

August 3, 2006 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Bush administration plans to extend Singapore F-16 fighter pilots' use of an Arizona training range, munitions, services, and related support in a deal valued at up to $301 million.
Because space comes at a premium in Singapore, that country trains its F-16C/D pilots at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, since 1997. They would now like to continue this program.

The Government of Singapore has requested a possible sale of continuation of Continental United States (CONUS) pilot proficiency training program for PEACE CARVIN II and munitions, services and support for F-16C/D aircraft which includes:

• 12 AIM-9 Sidewinder coolant bottles
• 105,000 20mm cartridges
• aircraft modifications kits
• maintenance
• participation in joint training exercises
• fuel and fueling services
• supply support
• flight training
• spare/repair parts
• support equipment
• program support
• publications
• documentation
• personnel training
• training equipment
• contractor technical and logistics personnel services
• and other related elements of program support.

The estimated cost is $301 million.

Singapore needs these munitions, services and equipment to continue a long-term pilot proficiency-training program at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. This program will enable the island-state to develop mission ready and experienced pilots through its CONUS training program to support Singapore's current and future F-16 aircraft inventory.

For seven years, the Republic of Singapore's air force also shared the eastern New Mexico skies with Cannon Air Force Base. That relationship came to an end last year as the 428th Fighter Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, New Mexico, was inactivated