Airbus Military could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Singapore air force’s next round of procurements. Singapore has at the top of its procurement list aerial refueling tankers, strategic airlifters and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft, purchases that will see that the island continues to be, for the next few years at least, the biggest spender on new defense equipment in Southeast Asia.
The 2011 defense budget was SG$12.1 billion ($9.6 billion), accounting for 26% of the government budget and about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Some analysts estimate that Singapore, with a population of about five million, spends more on defense per capita than any country but Israel.
Defense has always been a top priority, ever since Singapore gained independence in 1965. The nation’s founder, Lee Kwan Yew, recently said in the book Hard Truths, that “without a strong defense, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbors.”
Singapore has close defense ties with Israel, a point that is downplayed—because it is politically sensitive—but one that is important to remember because it explains why Israeli companies are short-listed by the Singaporeans for upcoming defense purchases. The Israelis are in the running to supply aerial refueling tankers and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft.
Aerial refueling tankers are at the top of the list because the air force needs to replace its four Boeing KC-135Rs. An important requirement is that the new tankers be able to assist the air force’s Boeing F-15SGs flying between Singapore and its overseas detachment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.
The Boeing KC-46A would ordinarily be the front-runner but Boeing may have to struggle to win the Singapore contract. The manufacturer is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. A Boeing official told Aviation Week in July 2011 that it can deliver KC-46As to foreign customers as early as 2018. But that may be too late for Singapore. Industry executives say Singapore’s air force has been complaining about the difficulty and cost of maintaining the aging KC-135Rs. But the need to secure aerial refueling tankers sooner rather than later creates an opportunity for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which converts 767s to tankers.
However, industry executives familiar with the situation say the front-runner in this competition is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Australian air force officials told DTI at the LIMA air show in Malaysia in December that the Singapore air force was interested in the A330MRTT and that the organizers of the Singapore air show were pushing to have a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) tanker on display there. The RAAF, however, has declined the request. They say the only reason the A330MRTT was brought to LIMA was because it had to be in Malaysia for a joint military exercise.
Singapore Technologies Aerospace, the Singapore government-linked company that maintains many of the air force’s aircraft, is also familiar with the A330, because it does the heavy maintenance work on Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) fleet of leased A330 passenger aircraft.
The A330MRTT’s 111,000 kg (245,000 lb.) of fuel is stored in the wings and horizontal stabilizer, leaving the main fuselage for a passenger cabin that can seat up to 380 people. In terms of air cargo, it can transport up to 26 military cargo pallets.
Having the ability to transport passengers and cargo on a longer-range aircraft, such as the A330MRTT, would certainly be useful. Airlift is one of the other requirements Singapore lists. Presently the air force operates five Lockheed Martin C-130Hs, aircraft that only have the range to travel within Southeast Asia. But Singapore’s military needs to carry personnel and equipment farther afield to places where it does training, namely: Australia, Taiwan, France and the U.S. Singapore’s military has been chartering commercial aircraft from SIA and for military equipment it has been chartering Antonov heavy-lift aircraft. It is understood that Singapore is also considering the Airbus Military A400M and the Boeing C-17.
Besides strategic airlift and aerial refueling tankers, Singapore has a requirement for fixed-wing aircraft for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). These may end up replacing the air force’s nine Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft, according to some industry executives. This procurement is in response to the growth of submarine fleets among Singapore’s neighbors. ASW contenders include the Alenia ATR 42MP, Boeing P-8A Poseidon and an IAI/Elta Systems offering, which uses a Bombardier Q400. The Lockheed Martin P-3C was being considered but is no longer in the running.
Not to be forgotten among the airlift, aerial refueling and anti-sub acquisition extravaganza are fighters. Singapore is expected to take interest in Tokyo’s recent decision to choose the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Like Israel, Singapore and the U.S. enjoy close military relations. Indeed, according to a December 2011 report by the Congressional Research Service on U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS), Singapore’s agreement for $530 million worth of FMS placed it in the top 10 leading purchasers of U.S. defense articles and services in 2010 worldwide.
And Singapore’s interests extend elsewhere, too. It has explored the option of using the smaller catapult-launched Boeing ScanEagle UAV on-board its vessels. Anti-piracy concerns remain another driving force behind military acquisitions.
http://kementah.blogspot.com/2012/02/singapores-defence-budget-for-financial.html
One of the biggest highlights for defence professionals arriving this
weekend for the Singapore Airshow will take place far from the show
venue in Changi.
The reading of Singapore's Budget Statement this coming Friday (17 Feb
2012) will be keenly watched by the city state's friends and frenemies.
Defence hacks bombed out by five days of intensive coverage at the
airshow (Monday's press preview plus four Trade Days) will have a
ready-made story on the Lion City's defence posture just by looking at
the Defence budget figure. As news flows tend to dry up on the last
Trade Day of the Sing Airshow, having this big story delivered on their
plate helps scribes justify their presence in sunny Singapore when most
of Europe is locked in the big freeze.
Underlining commitment to defence
Armed with this information, word of Singapore's commitment to its
national defence will spread far and wide as Singapore Airshow delegates
pack up and head for home. The value of such awareness, whispered in
the corridors of Kementah in Kuala Lumpur, the Pentagon, MODUK and
elsewhere will do much to sell the message that Singapore is serious
about protecting its national interests.
So come Friday, it's a safe bet that
many plasma TV sets in the swanky chalets that ring the airshow will be
tuned to the "live" broadcast of Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister for Finance, Tharman Shanmugaratnam, unveiling the Singaporean government's proposed fiscal priorities and allocations.
For the Singapore Airshow crowd, one highly anticipated budget item is the value of the Defence budget.
For regular visitors to
this blog, no surprises are likely when it comes to defence spending.
Indeed, it would be news to us if the Singaporean Ministry of Defence
(MINDEF) had its budget clipped from the S$12.08 billion budgeted for
national defence in FY 2011/12. The figure for FY 2010/11 amounted to
some S$11.46 billion
Singapore Airshow
delegates from overseas bemoaning the strength of the Singapore dollar
vis-a-vis their home currencies will realise the sum for MINDEF/SAF is a
hefty commitment by this tiny nation.
Defence spending is
likely to claim the lion's share of national spending (30% of the
national budget) because Singapore has made it abundantly clear a feast
or famine approach to defence spending is not the way to guarantee the
island's security.
Instead,
the mission of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed
Forces (SAF) is realised by financial contributions capped at 6% of
Singapore's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As the city state's GDP crept
past S$300 billion in 2010, table napkin calculations show that MINDEF
and the SAF are working well within the budget cap.
If anything, there is ample room for growth.
Reference customer
Makers of
war machines and other defence equipment are likely to keep their ears
tuned to that magic Defence budget figure in the hope of enjoying
spinoffs as MINDEF/SAF renews its arsenal.
Singapore's
military procurement priorities in coming years - which need not
necessarily fall within the scope of the FY 2012/13 work year - include
but are not limited to:
- Fast landing craft for the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) capable of embarking Leopard 2SG-class main battle tanks
- Renewal of the RSN's maritime patrol aircraft fleet
- A replacement for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 Hercules fleet
- Reappraisal of the size and composition of the RSAF fighter force after the F-5S/T Tiger II fighter jets are stood down
- A medium-lift helicopter to replace Super Puma and Cougars
- A dedicated CSAR bird
- Sensors and hardstandings for an air defence system that can also track and engage tube/rocket artillery ordnance
The SAF is also likely
to continue committing combat or combat support forces to selected
overseas deployments, provided such commitments can be made within the
SAF's defence readiness calendar - already heavily populated with
critical force development items that will see the SAF train with one
foreign armed forces every week throughout the year.
The world's arms industry will be angling for contracts as the republic's war chest is revealed this Friday.
In addition, Singapore's no-nonsense approach to weapons purchases makes it a valued reference customer.
Defence companies that
count the SAF as a customer enjoy bragging rights for having
successfully aced an evaluation process known (or notorious, as the case
may be) industry-wide for its technical competence, thoroughness in
defining specifications, mile-high tender documentation and rigor in
field trials.
Having
gone through the washing machine, defence companies that come up tops
after being made to draft and rewrite documentation that can amount to
hundreds of pages can say, hand on heart, that they are better armed to
tackle less-rigorous procurement processes in other parts of the globe.
All the
guesswork about the level and size of Singapore's commitment to its
national defence will be answered when the Budget Statement is tabled.
If you've not made a note to self about this announcement, do it now.
You may also like to read:
The best customers. Please click here.
Upcoming commentaries this week:
Hits and misses by the Singapore defence industry
The aerial display: A leading indicator of the RSAF's wish-list?
Looks like our RSAF will be imcreasing their role in humanitarian aid operations and military transport, who knows maybe our SAF personnel going for oversea trainings will no longer be using commerical flights any more.
what on earth is spore protecting thats wortth protecting??even law in spore high court cant even protect a girl molested by ang mo........let alone protect anything else with nuclear or a battlestar galactica!
its simply a waste of $$$ to show off u can protect yerselves which most in spore cant do it.
Originally posted by Hitman Chief:what on earth is spore protecting thats wortth protecting??even law in spore high court cant even protect a girl molested by ang mo........let alone protect anything else with nuclear or a battlestar galactica!
its simply a waste of $$$ to show off u can protect yerselves which most in spore cant do it.
Singapore hasn't bought anything already the rubbish posts starts...
Foreigners envious of Singapore budget capability and never live in Singapore before should avoid making ignorant comments on a Singapore forum. Logically, only communist country where secret police tail ang mo and stop them before they do something illegal. Alternatively, if no ang mo in Singapore, then no ang mo crime. Thankfully Singapore not such country.
I hope people can distinguish sales talk from actual purchases. Every major defence contractor is in Singapore cos Singapore air show is 3rd largest air show in the world and largest in Asia. Of course, everyone who wants to sell would want Singapore to buy, and convince dumb people that they need equipment so and so.
At least wait until something is bought before making rubbish post lah!
Originally posted by weasel1962:Singapore hasn't bought anything already the rubbish posts starts...
Foreigners envious of Singapore budget capability and never live in Singapore before should avoid making ignorant comments on a Singapore forum. Logically, only communist country where secret police tail ang mo and stop them before they do something illegal. Alternatively, if no ang mo in Singapore, then no ang mo crime. Thankfully Singapore not such country.I hope people can distinguish sales talk from actual purchases. Every major defence contractor is in Singapore cos Singapore air show is 3rd largest air show in the world and largest in Asia. Of course, everyone who wants to sell would want Singapore to buy, and convince dumb people that they need equipment so and so.
At least wait until something is bought before making rubbish post lah!
Originally posted by ahtansh:Looks like our RSAF will be imcreasing their role in humanitarian aid operations and military transport, who knows maybe our SAF personnel going for oversea trainings will no longer be using commerical flights any more.
Even major powers still use chartered flights. It is cost efficient and helps to conserve hours on military transport aircraft.
Originally posted by alize:Even major powers still use chartered flights. It is cost efficient and helps to conserve hours on military transport aircraft.
Yup, even Germany and NATO hire Russki AN-124s as do Singapore. Its far cheaper to lease a plane at $100k a pop than buy $200m plane that sits on the tarmac 300 days of every year. Most cases SAF still lease SIA. Local $.
Originally posted by Underpaid:Well guys, it’s sHitman, what did you expect from him?
Absolutely nothing expected from the dumbo. Facts still need to be stated otherwise, more dumbos come onboard.
He or she doesn't even realise that nobody in Singapore cares when foreigners laugh. More important is that the Australian/American/Foreign armed forces and governments value military exercises together and Singapore contributions to defence cos a strong Singapore defence contributes to Australian and regional security. Foreigners have died in Singapore's defence. When paid in blood, they are more than entitled to laugh.
Originally posted by weasel1962:
Absolutely nothing expected from the dumbo. Facts still need to be stated otherwise, more dumbos come onboard.He or she doesn't even realise that nobody in Singapore cares when foreigners laugh. More important is that the Australian/American/Foreign armed forces and governments value military exercises together and Singapore contributions to defence cos a strong Singapore defence contributes to Australian and regional security. Foreigners have died in Singapore's defence. When paid in blood, they are more than entitled to laugh.
Guys, enough. We must respect the General who has much combat experience and even been on secret missions. He might pass on a bad word and make our reservist life hell.
Originally posted by Underpaid:Well guys, it’s sHitman, what did you expect from him?
dont expect much from a underpad either.
Originally posted by weasel1962:
Yup, even Germany and NATO hire Russki AN-124s as do Singapore. Its far cheaper to lease a plane at $100k a pop than buy $200m plane that sits on the tarmac 300 days of every year. Most cases SAF still lease SIA. Local $.
I think SIA does not provide in-flight service on those fligths, right?
Originally posted by weasel1962:
Absolutely nothing expected from the dumbo. Facts still need to be stated otherwise, more dumbos come onboard.He or she doesn't even realise that nobody in Singapore cares when foreigners laugh. More important is that the Australian/American/Foreign armed forces and governments value military exercises together and Singapore contributions to defence cos a strong Singapore defence contributes to Australian and regional security. Foreigners have died in Singapore's defence. When paid in blood, they are more than entitled to laugh.
u high on drugs again?????could u like lessen the drugsu stuff in u as u type
Originally posted by weasel1962:
Yup, even Germany and NATO hire Russki AN-124s as do Singapore. Its far cheaper to lease a plane at $100k a pop than buy $200m plane that sits on the tarmac 300 days of every year. Most cases SAF still lease SIA. Local $.
its not that price u stupid fool.next time u want to state fiction or pretend to know something that u dunno start to end i suggest u goto politics forum n blab nonsense instead of coming into military sites.
Originally posted by weasel1962:
He or she doesn't even realise that nobody in Singapore cares when foreigners laugh. More important is that the Australian/American/Foreign armed forces and governments value military exercises together and Singapore contributions to defence cos a strong Singapore defence contributes to Australian and regional security. Foreigners have died in Singapore's defence. When paid in blood, they are more than entitled to laugh.
u might as well not wear pants when u go overseas for a holiday.just walk around some foreign airport without yer pants...im sure your theory is aplicable and much accepted on planet earth!>>>"He or she doesn't even realise that nobody in Singapore cares when foreigners laugh."
FOREIGNERS HAVE DIED IN SPORES DEFENCE??was that when spore was still under british rule??thats not counted as spore belonged to england at that time.
to those confused folks in here,
.
Originally posted by Hitman Chief:
its not $100k a pop u stupid fool.next time u want to state fiction or pretend to know something that u dunno start to end i suggest u goto politics forum n blab nonsense instead of coming into military sites.
You must be very young.
Actually and unfortunately, I do know charter rates for air freighters which is under $20k per flight hour for an AN-124. Its $23k for the bigger AN-225. A 737 costs $6k per flight hour. Its about 4-5 hours (~3000 km) from Darwin to Singapore.
One can actually review internet posts like the below on indicative rates which in most cases is actually cheaper (as non-outsized airlift).
When one thinks about it, it can be quite profitable. An airliner can fly as much as 4,000 flight hours a year, multiplied by charter rates = quite a significant profit. On the other hand, a military aircraft won't hit anywhere close to those flight hours so acquisitions tend to have different considerations. That's also why new procurement practices eg FSTA in the UK will now be open to commercial hire. But in your case, piano playing to cow probably applies.
Originally posted by weasel1962:You must be very young.
Actually and unfortunately, I do know charter rates for air freighters which is under $20k per flight hour for an AN-124. Its $23k for the bigger AN-225. A 737 costs $6k per flight hour. Its about 4-5 hours (~3000 km) from Darwin to Singapore.
One can actually review internet posts like the below on indicative rates which in most cases is actually cheaper (as non-outsized airlift).
u got yer figures wrong!please go check yer figures b4 u fart twice or thrice!
.
Originally posted by weasel1962:You must be very young.
Actually and unfortunately, I do know charter rates for air freighters which is under $20k per flight hour for an AN-124. Its $23k for the bigger AN-225. A 737 costs $6k per flight hour. Its about 4-5 hours (~3000 km) from Darwin to Singapore.
One can actually review internet posts like the below on indicative rates which in most cases is actually cheaper (as non-outsized airlift).
When one thinks about it, it can be quite profitable. An airliner can fly as much as 4,000 flight hours a year, multiplied by charter rates = quite a significant profit. On the other hand, a military aircraft won't hit anywhere close to those flight hours so acquisitions tend to have different considerations. That's also why new procurement practices eg FSTA in the UK will now be open to commercial hire. But in your case, piano playing to cow probably applies.
well,,,,its from someones blog.so in reality u havent done chartering a plane.
dream on lil kid!i already did the flight chartering in real life and its pretty much more than that!
Originally posted by weasel1962:You must be very young.
Actually and unfortunately, I do know charter rates for air freighters which is under $20k per flight hour for an AN-124. Its $23k for the bigger AN-225. A 737 costs $6k per flight hour. Its about 4-5 hours (~3000 km) from Darwin to Singapore.
One can actually review internet posts like the below on indicative rates which in most cases is actually cheaper (as non-outsized airlift).
When one thinks about it, it can be quite profitable. An airliner can fly as much as 4,000 flight hours a year, multiplied by charter rates = quite a significant profit. On the other hand, a military aircraft won't hit anywhere close to those flight hours so acquisitions tend to have different considerations. That's also why new procurement practices eg FSTA in the UK will now be open to commercial hire. But in your case, piano playing to cow probably applies.
u havent done it !
u r just a wannabe in real life n copies n paste stuff from someones elses blog.nothing u have is yours or done by u.
stop dreaming n come back to reality!u are not designing new airships or making $$$$.
Originally posted by weasel1962:When one thinks about it, it can be quite profitable. An airliner can fly as much as 4,000 flight hours a year, multiplied by charter rates = quite a significant profit. On the other hand, a military aircraft won't hit anywhere close to those flight hours so acquisitions tend to have different considerations. That's also why new procurement practices eg FSTA in the UK will now be open to commercial hire. But in your case, piano playing to cow probably applies.
what play piano to cow?your term u used here is incorrect which make u sound like an idiot!
next time if u need to put ideologies or phrase or even costing , please go for the required schooling plus years of experience.in your case i think u simply need to read lower secondary school books instead of comic books hidden behind yer school books.
Originally posted by Hitman Chief:
well,,,,its from someones blog.so in reality u havent done chartering a plane.
dream on lil kid!i already did the flight chartering in real life and its pretty much more than that!
lol. Young chap, you have absolutely no idea what I do for a living. Charter rates are charter rates, you can continue to be the cow ignoring the facts but that's consistently you from what I've noted.
Funnily, if you were old enough, you'd realise that one can actually find out charter rates for AN-124 directly from charter companies. There are a few who actually charter them, y'know but again piano to cow comes to mind.
http://www.aircharterservice.aero/cargo/aircraft/antonov_an124.htm
Originally posted by weasel1962:You must be very young.
Actually and unfortunately, I do know charter rates for air freighters which is under $20k per flight hour for an AN-124. Its $23k for the bigger AN-225. A 737 costs $6k per flight hour. Its about 4-5 hours (~3000 km) from Darwin to Singapore.
U ALREADY SOUND LIKE A CONMAN OR FRAUDSTER IN HERE ITH YER FIGURES!
are u tryin to sell something here??!!because if u do,the interpol will have u arrested for selling non-existant cheap airline tickets.
Originally posted by weasel1962:lol. Young chap, you have absolutely no idea what I do for a living. Charter rates are charter rates, you can continue to be the cow ignoring the facts but that's consistently you from what I've noted.
Funnily, if you were old enough, you'd realise that one can actually find out charter rates for AN-124 directly from charter companies. There are a few who actually charter them, y'know but again piano to cow comes to mind.
http://www.aircharterservice.aero/cargo/aircraft/antonov_an124.htm
from your mouth to a weasels ass.
Originally posted by weasel1962:lol. Young chap, you have absolutely no idea what I do for a living. Charter rates are charter rates, you can continue to be the cow ignoring the facts but that's consistently you from what I've noted.
Funnily, if you were old enough, you'd realise that one can actually find out charter rates for AN-124 directly from charter companies. There are a few who actually charter them, y'know but again piano to cow comes to mind.
http://www.aircharterservice.aero/cargo/aircraft/antonov_an124.htm
YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE THINGS U PREACH IS FLAKEY!