Singapore to upgrade its F-16 fleet

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 16 Sep 2013, 21:14

Singapore defense minister announced plan to upgrade the avionics of existing Singapore air force (RSiAF) F-16s and extend service life in parliament (Sep 16, 2013) as part of a comprehensive defense plan which included the acquisition of the Aster 30 to replace I-Hawk SAM system. Note RSAF is the local designation for Singapore air force but is termed RSiAF in this post so as not to confuse with the Saudi air force that doesn't operate F-16s.

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_ ... 13_ps.html

62 x RSiAF F-16 Blk 52s have been procured in 4 batches from 1994 with deliveries from April 1998 to 2004. An earlier batch of 8 F-16A/Bs (minus 2 attrition plus 1 acquired from the boneyard) bought in 1985 were donated to the Thai Air Force on 18 Nov 2004. The F-16 Blk 52s were originally equipped with AIM-7Ms, APG-68(v)5s, APX-(v)3 IFF, Lantirn pods and ALQ-131 self protection systems. Some F-16 pilots were noted with DASH helmet systems and more recent F-16s were upgraded with Litening 3/Sniper pods and AIM-120s. Paveways are generally the primary weapon of choice for the RSiAF A2G missions.

BAE had earlier in April 2013 identified Singapore as the nearest term opportunity for an upgrade programme. Many air forces have already signed up to upgrades, most notably the ROK and ROCAF F-16s. It also comes on the back of LM's selection of an AESA radar for the USAF F-16 upgrade program which the RSiAF is likely to leverage upon.

It is widely expected that the upgrade program will include an AESA radar although the APG-68(v)9 has been approved via a 2004 DCS notification for RSiAF end use as well .

http://www.pmddtc.state.gov/reports/con ... 077-04.pdf

More speculative at this time is whether the air force will integrate the JHMCS/AIM-9X, JSOW and GBU-54 LJDAMs (both of which are used by RSiAF F-15SGs) or even the SDB which has not been adopted. Harm/Harpoon capability are not expected although this were options in the F-16 acquisitions. What is given is that the F-16s will probably be upgraded with F-35 interoperability capability e.g. IFF/link upgrades.

Viperdiver · by **Viperdiver** » 18 Sep 2013, 22:26

Keep 'em flyin!!

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 08 Sep 2014, 10:48

Reuters has confirmed unofficially that Singapore has opted for Lockheed Martin (LM) option in the F-16 upgrade.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/09/ ... 8Z20140905

Not surprising as the DSCA announcement only had LM as main contractor. No DSCA approval was sought for the BAE option.

luke_sandoz · by **luke_sandoz** » 24 Feb 2015, 16:32

Looks like Singaore is now close to jumping on the F-35 Bandwagon instead

"VICTORIA, Australia — Singapore is moving closer to ordering the Lockheed Martin F-35 joint strike fighter, according to program head US Lt. Gen. Chris Bogdan."

http://www.defensenews.com/story/defens ... /23927983/

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 24 Feb 2015, 17:36

In addition rather than instead. The Singapore F-16 upgrade plan plus the longer-term F-35 acquisition was announced as early as Feb 2013. The F-16 upgrade is to modernise the air fleet. F-35 acquisition is to "further" modernise the air fleet as well as replace older aircraft (including the F-5).

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_ ... noimg.html

With an annual budget of ~US$10b which grows at ~5% per annum, both programs can be afforded. The plan is normally to acquire 1 fighter sqn roughly every 5 years. The last acquisition was 2008-2010 for an F-15 sqn. The only questions still speculated are when, how many and which variant.

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 01 Jul 2015, 03:10

Singapore defence minister announced F-16 upgrade to commence 2016 and complete by 2022 (rate of ~1 per month). AESA radar & LJDAM capability confirmed. Radar type presumed as SABR as no other type has been approved.

http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/press_ ... 5_fs1.html

Lieven · by **Lieven** » 02 Jul 2015, 17:01

Singapore to upgrade their F-16 fleet with AESA radars

weasel1962 · by **weasel1962** » 04 Dec 2015, 14:22

Upgrade contract awarded to LM

Lockheed Martin Nabs $914M Contract for Singapore F-16 Upgrades
Dec 2015

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $914 million contract to upgrade F-16s for Singapore's government, the Pentagon announced on Tuesday

Source: http://www.defensenews.com/story/defens ... /76653900/

zaphod58 · by **zaphod58** » 04 Oct 2022, 20:05

I realize this is an old thread, but we have four of the upgraded aircraft at Luke now. They have two bulges, one on either side of the nose, that are fairly large in the front, and very narrow in the back. I was wondering if someone knows what those are.

basher54321 · by **basher54321** » 04 Oct 2022, 21:20

Massive RHAW blisters apparently.

Boman · by **Boman** » 04 Oct 2022, 23:28

These are the F-16D+ recently transfered from the 145sq.

https://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/ ... file/4850/

https://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/ ... file/4859/

nrts1 · by **nrts1** » 05 Oct 2022, 14:09

zaphod58 wrote:I realize this is an old thread, but we have four of the upgraded aircraft at Luke now. They have two bulges, one on either side of the nose, that are fairly large in the front, and very narrow in the back. I was wondering if someone knows what those are.

Hi, FMS countries modify their jets independently. There's a variety of systems that have replaced issued USAF stuff. Comms, INS, GPS, and radar are just a few. USAF doen't use conformal tanks but FMS seems to love them. Singapore is serious and their block 50s are top tier. Well, except for APG68-V9 but they'll be upgrading to AESA soon.

viperimages · by **viperimages** » 05 Oct 2022, 15:53

Boman wrote:These are the F-16D+ recently transfered from the 145sq.

https://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/ ... file/4850/

https://www.f-16.net/aircraft-database/ ... file/4859/

01-6021 is also at LUKE. But i personal have not seen it yet in 425th markings. Also another batch of upgraded F-16s are due in to Luke in a few weeks

01-6021

672 425th FS by Viper Images, on Flickr

basher54321 · by **basher54321** » 03 Oct 2023, 17:13

Singapore completes upgrade of F-16 fleet
26 Sep 2023 by Akhil Kadidal

The completion of the mid-life upgrade of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-16 fleet increases the type's operational service life to the mid-2030s.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF's) Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fleet has been upgraded for improved operational capabilities.

The enhancements are part of a long-standing mid-life upgrade (MLU) for the RSAF's F-16C/D/D+ Block 52/52+ fleet. Singapore first announced a plan to upgrade the fleet in September 2013. The RSAF is currently thought to operate 60 F-16C/D/D+ fighter aircraft.

More: https://www.janes.com/defence-news/sing ... -16-fleet/