Forces armées de Singapour/Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

Citation :

Singapore Acquires AN/TPQ-53 Counter-Fire Target Acquisition Radars

23 Agustus 2017


Singapore has acquired six Lockheed Martin AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire radar systems. Work on the systems is
expected to be completed by March 2019 (photo : Lockheed Martin)

The US government has awarded Lockheed Martin a USD63-million firm, fixed-price contract in support of a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) procurement effort of six AN/TPQ-53 counter-fire target acquisition radars destined for Singapore, according to federal contracting documents reviewed by Jane's on 21 August.

The contract – which was signed on 13 April 2017 – includes options that would bring the cumulative value of the order to USD81 million if exercised by the Singapore government. Work on the radar systems is expected to be completed by 13 March 2019, with the US Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) in Maryland functioning as the contracting activity.

The AN/TPQ-53 is a solid-state, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar system that operates in the S-band (2 GHz to 4 GHz) frequency range. The radar is designed to detect, classify, track, and determine the launch points of incoming artillery shells, mortar bombs, and rockets over a 90° sector or the full 360° azimuthal arc.

According to Jane's C4ISR & Mission Systems: Land , the AN/TPQ-53 is capable of detecting artillery shells at a maximum range of 34 km, mortar bombs up to 20 km, and rockets at up to 60 km when operating in the persistent surveillance sector scan mode – although the system can be switched almost instantaneously, with minimal degradation in tracking performance, to rotating mode for detecting all three types of incoming munitions at distances of up to 20 km.

The radar unit itself is 6.93 m long, 2.84 m wide,2.84 m tall, and weighs 8,889 kg. Operated by a four-person crew, it can be deployed within five minutes and taken down within two minutes.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.fr/2017/08/singapore-acquires-antpq-53-counter.html

Citation :

The Singapore Army

Citation :

08/12/2017

Renforcement de l’armement des F-15SG singapouriens !



Le Département d'État américain a publié l’éventail des nouvelles armes qui viendront compléter la flotte d’avions de combat Boeing F-15SG « Eagle » de la Force aérienne singapourienne.

Les équipements suivants ont été autorisés à la vente pour Singapour, il s’agit de Bombes GBU-10 LGB Paveway II (composées de groupes de films pneumatiques MXU-651B/B (AFG), MAU-209C/B corps de bombes MK-84 ou BLU-117B/B ainsi que des GBU-12 Paveway II LGB (constituées d'AFG MXU-650C/B et de bombes MK-82 ou BLU-111B/B.

Un premier lot devrait être disponible l’année prochaine pour permettre aux pilotes singapouriens d’entamer une formation aux Etats-Unis.

40 F-15 « Eagle »:

Singapour a augmenté la taille de sa flotte de F-15SG de 24 appareils à 40. Les 5 et 6 août 2014, Boeing a produit l'immatriculation d’aéronefs décrit comme des avions de type F-15SG: N361SG, N363SG, N366SG, N368SG, N373SG, N376SG, N378SG et N837SG. Tous ces appareils étant nouvellement destiné à Singapour.

Mis à part l’intérêt aéronautique sur l’augmentation de la flotte de Boeing F-15SG de la RSAF, il faut remarquer que cet achat a été particulièrement discret et remonterait à 2012, selon les chiffres de l’avionneur américain.

La discrétion qui entoure cet achat et très certainement due à une volonté de la part de Singapour de ne pas soulever d’inquiétude dans la région ou les tensions sont déjà palpables. Singapour disposant déjà d’une des armées les mieux équipée de la région.

Le Boeing F-15SG « Eagle » :

La version du F-15SG est une évolution du standard «E» «Strike Eagle» de l'US Air Force, il comprend le radar Raytheon APG-63 (V)3 radar à antenne à balayage électronique (AESA). La RSAF a choisi de doter ses F-15 de pod « Sniper » de désignation d’origine israélienne. Le radar AESA couplé à la suite de gestion électronique et le pod de désignation permettent à la RSAF de remplir ses missions avec un haut degré d’efficacité.



Photos : 1 F-15SG « Eagle » singapourien @ Isaac Lebowitz 2 F-15SG@ RSAF

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2017/12/08/renforcement-de-l-armement-des-f-15sg-singapouriens-864862.html

Citation :

Singapore Army enhances rocket artillery capabilities

Kelvin Wong - Jane's International Defence Review

12 December 2017  


A Singapore Army HIMARS multiple rocket launcher fires an M28A1 Reduced Range Practice Rocket, which has a maximum range of
15 km. The service has recently introduced Lockheed Martin’s Universal Fire Control System, which enables the launcher to engage
different targets simultaneously. Source: IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong

Singapore Army artillery forces operating the Lockheed Martin M142 227 mm High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) have been given a boost with the fielding of a new and more capable mobile battery command post (CP) as well as the introduction of the company’s Universal Fire Control System (UFCS).

The new capabilities are being trialled outside of Singapore for the first time as part of Exercise ‘Forging Sabre’ 2017, a biennial air-land integration and live-fire exercise being conducted by the Singapore Army and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in Phoenix, Arizona from 28 November to 13 December. The latest exercise is the sixth instalment in the series that began in 2005.

Jane’s understands from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) that the new HIMARS battery CP is indigenous development by the Singapore Army and state-owned defence science agencies. The battery CP is housed within a CETRON 20 ft mobile command and communication container module developed by Singapore Technologies (ST) Electronics’ Info-Comm Systems division and carried by a customised MAN 4×4 truck chassis, with an overall length of 7.2 m and width and height of 2.6 m and 4.2 m respectively, with a gross vehicle weight of 14.5 tonnes.


The Singapore Army unveiled its new mobile Battery Command Post at Exercise 'Forging Sabre' 2017, a biennial air-land integration and
live-fire exercise held in Phoenix, Arizona. (IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong)

The fully air-conditioned battery CP is typically operated by an eight-person crew with three personnel seated in the front cab and a five-person team – comprising the fire direction officer, gunnery specialist, gunnery assistant, signals specialist, and signaller situated in the fully command cabin.

Unlike previous CP that relied solely on radio communications, the new battery CP is equipped with a suite of software-defined radios as well as an L-band satellite communication (SATCOM) system that is networked to platoon-level CPs their respective launcher units via the service’s secure Army Battlefield Internet. It is understood that its Battlefield Management System is also expected to be incorporated in 2018, which will further increase its ability to perform blue- and red-force tracking as well as its ability to receive real-time situational awareness and targeting updates from reconnaissance assets.
 

Citation :

Singapour déploie l’Aster 30 de MBDA

Actualités Romain Vincent 6 mars, 2018

Le dossier a fait couler peu d’encre, pourtant il est synonyme d’une très belle réussite pour le missilier européen et pour la France. En ce début de mois de mars, la cité-État de Singapour a annoncé avoir déployé le système de défense sol-air Aster 30 qu’elle avait commandé à la fin de l’été 2013. C’est la première fois que la version terrestre du missile anti-aérien et anti-missile de moyenne portée est déployée par une nation extra-européenne.


Infographie du Mindef de Singapour présentant l’Aster 30 parmi ses systèmes actuels

Le ministre de la Défense Ng Eng Hen a confirmé la livraison du système dans un discours devant le comité de la défense du parlement de la république insulaire le 2 mars dernier. Ng Eng Hen avait annoncé la décision d’acquisition en septembre 2013 pour remplacer le système américain vieillissant Hawk (acquis il y a plus de trente-ans par l’armée singapourienne, sa première mise en service remonte à l’année 1962 sur le sol américain). À l’époque il déclarait « l’Aster nous permettra d’engager de multiples menaces simultanément et à plus longue distance » en ajoutant que le système compléterait le système à plus courte portée d’Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) dénommé Spyder. De son côté, le PDG du missilier européen, Antoine Bouvier, avait affirmé que l’Aster 30 s’était imposé face aux américains et aux israéliens grâce à ses « performances » et son « prix ».

« Notre ciel sera mieux protégé avec des systèmes d’armes avancés » a déclaré Ng Eng Hen devant les parlementaires, précisant que les forces du pays avaient « récemment ajouté » le système Aster 30 à la défense aérienne. Selon le site Aviation Week, bien que l’Aster 30 n’ait été livré que récemment, il serait probablement déjà intégré au système Island Air Defence (IAD) de la Force aérienne de la République de Singapour (RSAF). Le réseau IAD, couvrant l’ensemble de Singapour (42 kilomètres de longueur et 23 kilomètres de largeur), relie toutes les armes et tous les capteurs de défense aérienne de la RSAF, y compris les chasseurs, les systèmes sol-air et les radars polyvalents. Selon les journalistes spécialisés d’Aviation Week, « les cinq années qui ont suivi l’annonce de l’ordre auraient dû être suffisantes pour fabriquer le système et le préparer ». Ils rappellent également que quatre frégates de la marine de Singapour sont équipées de missiles Aster 15 de plus courte portée.

Le nombre de missiles Aster 30, d’une portée maximale probable de 120 km, et de leurs lanceurs terrestres, ne sont pas connus. Les responsables singapouriens et l’industriel européen sont également restés discrets concernant le coût d’une telle opération. De même, si l’on sait que le système anti-aérien et anti-missile est exploité par une seule unité, le 163e Escadron, on ne sait pas en revanche si Singapour a acheté le radar multifonctions Arabel associé au système Aster 30 sol-air.

Ng Eng Hen a déclaré que le ministère de la Défense devrait maintenir sa dépense annuelle autour des 3-4% annuels. Les dépenses de défense sont passées d’environ 14,2Mds$ (11,4Mds€) pour l’exercice 2017 à 14,76Mds$ (11,9Mds€) pour l’exercice 2018, soit une augmentation de 3,9%. La cité-État possède de très loin le plus gros budget de défense de toute la région d’Asie du Sud-Est, et cela lui donne l’opportunité d’acquérir des systèmes d’armes stratégiques et ultra-technologiques, et donc très coûteux, comme des drones Heron MALE (Moyenne Altitude Longue Endurance) de production israélienne, ou des sous-marins d’attaque Archer d’origine suédoise, alors que le pays de 5 millions d’habitants est indépendant depuis 1965.

« L’écart entre les dépenses de Singapour par rapport au reste de l’Asean a augmenté, mais Singapour n’a pas besoin d’augmenter ses dépenses de défense radicalement maintenant pour rattraper son retard » a également souligné Ng Eng Hen, reconnaissant les premiers ralentissements économiques d’une société déjà vieillissante. Cependant, il a indiqué aux députés présents devant lui le 2 mars qu’il n’hésiterait pas à pousser pour des dépenses plus élevées en matière d’armement s’il y avait de « nouvelles demandes croissantes » ou si l’environnement de sécurité se détériorait. Pour la défense aérienne, Singapour distance largement ses voisins, puisque le Vietnam, disposant de trois bataillons du système russe S-300 d’une portée de 90km, la Birmanie et la Thaïlande ayant acquis le KS-1 chinois dont la portée ne dépasse pas les 50 km, sont les autres pays de la région les mieux équipés en matière de de défense aérienne à moyenne portée.

En attendant d’obtenir de nouvelles informations concernant le dossier singapourien, si il y en a un jour, rappelons que la Turquie a également fait appel à MBDA et à son système Aster 30 pour renforcer sa défense aérienne terrestre. En ce qui concerne le marché de défense d’Asie du Sud-Est, on peut imaginer que les voisins de la cité-État réagiront rapidement au déploiement du système de MBDA. La Malaisie et l’Indonésie, respectivement peuplés de 30 et 265 millions d’habitants, ont récemment formulé le souhait d’acquérir un système de défense aérienne moderne; si aucune décision n’a encore vu le jour, celle-ci ne devrait plus tarder.

http://forcesoperations.com/singapour-deploie-laster-30-de-mbda/

RSS Sovereignty 16 deuxième unité de la classe Independance ... fabrication locale ... chapeau quoi

Citation :

The RSAF's SPYDER System Attains Full Operational Capability

05 Juli 2018


RSAF's Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER) (photo : Sing Mindef, Nighteye)

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman officiated at a ceremony to mark the achievement of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER) Ground Based Air Defence system at Chong Pang Camp this afternoon.

Speaking at the FOC ceremony, Dr Maliki highlighted the significance of this milestone to the overall enhancement of the Next Generation Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s capabilities. He said "The SPYDER is an improvement from the Rapier system as it is able to intercept not just aircraft but also munitions, therefore widening the spectrum of threats that our air defences can tackle. An all-weather system equipped with advanced infra-red and radar-guided missiles, the SPYDER can intercept aerial threats at more than twice the range and three times the altitude of the Rapier, while engaging multiple targets at the same time."



The SPYDER is part of the enhanced Island Air Defence system, which is an island-wide networked system that brings together sensors, weapon systems, command and control elements, and decision-making tools to further strengthen Singapore's air defence. As an all-weather air defence system, the SPYDER possesses anti-aircraft and anti-munition capabilities to effectively deal with a wide spectrum of aerial threats, and only requires four-man crew to deploy.



The SPYDER crew has undergone extensive training in order to operate and maintain the system, and has also validated the system's capabilities in local and overseas exercises. The SPYDER allows the RSAF to continue to protect Singapore's skies effectively.

Also present at the ceremony were Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Air Force Major-General Mervyn Tan, and other senior officers from the SAF.

(Sing Mindef)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-rsafs-spyder-system-attains-full.html

Citation :

RSAF Marks 20 Years of Training at French Air Base

16 Juli 2018


Picture of the M-346 trainers against the blue skies of Cazaux, France. Here, with air space 32 times larger than Singapore (photo : RSAF)


Trainee fighter pilots from Singapore are not the only ones who have taken to the skies at Cazaux in the last two decades - the stork has also been soaring there.

Since the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) set up a training detachment in the south-western French town in 1998, more than 190 pilots have trained there. At the same time, 191 babies have also been born to staff and their families based in Cazaux.

"So for every one pilot, one baby. That's not a bad ratio," said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen yesterday at an event to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the RSAF's Cazaux detachment.

To mark the milestone, an RSAF M-346 aircraft and a pair of French Air Force (FAF) Alpha Jets performed a combined flypast in front of delegates from both countries.

Dr Ng is also in France for the French national day parade in Paris on Saturday, and will join Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who will attend as a guest of honour.

Expressing his gratitude to the French government, its armed forces and people for giving the RSAF the opportunity to train in Cazaux, Dr Ng said France has played a "crucial role in helping Singapore train pilots to defend Singapore and our airspace".


RSAF M-346 Master (photo : Eric Tammer)

The large airspace in Cazaux - 32 times the size of Singapore - offers the RSAF pilots sprawling skies to hone their skills. And training alongside their French counterparts "allows the RSAF to learn from and peg itself against a world-class air force", Dr Ng added.

"The RSAF's presence in Cazaux is a physical testament to the strong and growing ties between our two countries. It is developed on a shared foundation of ideals and values for both our countries, built on liberty, equality and fraternity."

Cazaux Air Base, about 60km from the city of Bordeaux, is home to 150 Squadron and where fighter aircrew undergo the Advanced Jet training programme. Pilots fly the M-346, a stepping stone before they operate sophisticated warplanes like the F-15SG and the F-16.

Dr Ng was accompanied by Chief of Air Force Mervyn Tan on his visit. The French delegation included Secretary of State to the Minister for the Armed Forces Genevieve Darrieussecq and FAF's General Officer Commanding the South West Defence and Security Zone and Air Forces Commander, Lieutenant-General Jean Rondel. In 2011, Singapore and France agreed to extend the Cazaux detachment to 2035.

Asked how both countries will further their military cooperation, Dr Ng said there is also collaboration in areas such as defence technology and cyber security.

Of the many babies born in Cazaux, Dr Ng quipped: "Somehow I think the air, the Arcachon oysters, the French wine make for very fertile ground for babies."

(Straits Times)



Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer Aircraft

The M-346 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft replicates the flight performance and avionics of advanced modern-day fighter aircraft. It allows fighter aircrew trainees to train in a more realistic operational environment, handle sophisticated systems, and be better equipped for fighter operations.

Embedded Tactical Training System. The M-346 has an embedded tactical training system that can generate a realistic battlefield with both airborne and ground threats. It can also simulate on-board sensors and weapons that are representative of the RSAF's fighters.

High Power. Powered by two Honeywell F-124-GA-200 engines, each producing 6,280 pounds (or 2,850kg) of thrust, the M-346 can pull up to 8Gs and reach transonic speeds (close to that of the speed of sound) without the use of afterburners.



The Delta Wing. The M-346 also features a state-of-the-art aerodynamic design with a delta wing to provide greater manoeuvrability and control. Coupled with a fly-by-wire flight control system, the M-346 provides a highly accurate representation of modern fighter jets' performance.


(Sing Mindef)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2018/07/rsaf-marks-20-years-of-training-at.html  

Citation :

15/08/2018

Premier A330MRTT pour Singapour !



Le avion multi-rôles Airbus A330MRTT n° SN1762 de l'armée de l'air singapourienne est arrivé dans le pays. L’avion s’est posé sur base aérienne de Changi East, où sont basés les actuels Boeing KC-135R de la Force aérienne Singapourienne. La base aérienne de Changi East est située à l'ouest de la piste 20R, en face de l'aéroport de Singapour Changi.

La livrée de l'avion fête les 50 ans d'histoire de la Force aérienne de la République de Singapour, avec «RSAF 50» sur la queue et «Our Home, Above All» sur un capot moteur.

L’A330MRTT de la RSAF est motorisé par deux Rolls-Royce Trent 772B-60EP. En plus d'une nacelle de ravitaillement souple sur les deux ailes, l'avion est également équipé d'une flèche de ravitaillement centrale. L'avion dispose de 260 sièges passagers et peut être utilisé pour transporter des palettes de fret.

Singapour dispose de cinq A330 MRTT supplémentaires en commande. Ceux-ci remplaceront les quatre Boeing KC-135R obsolètes du pays, dont l'âge moyen est de 55,9 ans.

L'arrivée porte à 26 le nombre de MRTT A330 en service. D'autres opérateurs incluent le Royaume-Uni, l'Australie, l'Arabie Saoudite et les Émirats arabes unis.

Airbus A330MRTT :

L’A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) d’Airbus Military est le seul avion stratégique de ravitaillement et de transport de nouvelle génération, actuellement disponible et opérationnel au monde. L’importante capacité d’emport carburant de base (111 tonnes) de l’avion de ligne A330-200, dont il est dérivé, permet à l’A330 MRTT d’exceller dans les missions de ravitaillement en vol, sans l’adjonction de réservoir supplémentaire. L’A330 MRTT est proposé avec un choix de systèmes de ravitaillement incluant la perche caudale ARBS (Aerial Refuelling Boom System) d’Airbus Military et/ou une paire de nacelles tuyau/panier sous voilure et/ou un système ventral tuyau/panier FRU (Fuselage Refuelling Unit).

Grâce à son large fuselage, l’A330 MRTT peut également servir d’avion de transport capable de transporter 300 soldats ou 45 tonnes de charge utile. Il peut également être décliné en version d’évacuation sanitaire (EVASAN) et recevoir jusqu’à 130 civières. L’A330 MRTT totalise à ce jour 28 commandes émanant de quatre clients.

Photo : Arrivée à Changi du premier A330MRTT de la RSAF. @ Shannon

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2018/08/15/premier-a330mrtt-pour-singapour-866099.html

RSS Sovereignty (16)

Singapour sélectionne le F-35...

http://www.air-cosmos.com/singapour-selectionne-le-f-35-119451

Citation :

Singapore Navy's First Invincible-Class Type 218SG Submarine Launched


18 Februari 2019


Type 218SG submarine (photo : Shephard)

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the launch ceremony of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s first Invincible-class submarine, Invincible, at the thyssenkrupp Marine Systems Shipyard in Kiel, Germany, on 18 Feb 2019. The submarine was launched by Mrs Ng, wife of Dr Ng. Chief of German Navy Vice-Admiral Andreas Krause, Republic of Singapore Navy's Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong and senior defence officials from both countries attended the launch ceremony.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted that, "The RSN plays a key role in keeping [the] Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs) open, not only for Singapore, but indeed, for the world. And the maritime environment around Singapore also faces security challenges… In this context, the acquisition of the new Type 218SG submarines is timely." He added that that the new submarines were designed based on experience and expertise garnered through more than two decades of operating submarines, and the launch of the Invincible marked a significant milestone in the RSN’s submarine capability.



Type 218SG submarine (photo : MediaCorp)

Invincible is the first of four customised submarines designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters. Custom-built to Singapore's needs, the new submarines will possess longer endurance and higher payloads. Following the launch, Invincible will undergo a series of sea trials before delivery to Singapore in 2021. The remaining three submarines are under construction. Dr Ng also announced the names of the remaining three submarines – Impeccable, Illustrious, and Inimitable.

The launch of Invincible is testament to the warm and growing defence ties between Singapore and Germany. Bilateral defence relations have strengthened with the signing of the enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (eDCA) in 2018. The eDCA paves the way forward for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as in submarine training, defence technology and cyber defence. Both countries also cooperate and interact widely through high-level visits and dialogues, military exchanges, cross-attendance of professional courses and technology collaboration.

Dr Ng was in Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference from 15 to 17 Feb 2019, where he spoke at the conference and had bilateral meetings with his foreign counterparts.

(Sing Mindef)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2019/02/singapore-navys-first-invincible-class.html

Citation :

The F-35 will operate alongside the F-15SG. © Boeing

Singapore details F-35 plans

The Minister of Defence for Singapore, Ng Eng Hen, has further clarified the country's plans to modernise the Royal Singapore Air Force combat aircraft fleet.

Published on 06/03/2019 at 16h14
By Duncan Macrae

Speaking at the Committee of Supply Debate in parliament, the Minister of Defence for Singapore, Ng Eng Hen, has further clarified the country's plans to modernise the Royal Singapore Air Force combat aircraft fleet through the acquisition of F-35s.

The acquisition is part of the overall roadmap to establish the Next-Gen Singapore Armed Forces for 2030 and beyond.

The minister confirmed plans to replace the F-16s, which will face obsolescence post-2030, with the F-35s: “This will mean that the RSAF fighter fleet will consist of F-35s and F-15SGs, if plans come to fruition a decade or so from now.”

He said the ministry would submit a Letter of Request (LOR) to the U.S. to acquire F-35s. The LOR will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight. Ng noted that Singapore had the endorsement of both the U.S. Administration and the Department of Defense for the proposed purchase of F-35s, which nonetheless still acquires approval from Congress.

Ng underlined the fact that the price of F-35s has been steadily falling, creating an opportune time for Singapore to put in its request. He said that the current unit price of the F-35 ranges from $90m to $115m, comparable to what Singapore paid for its F-15SG.

According to the minister, the total cost of ownership of a fleet of F-35s, including maintenance across its lifespan, will also be similar to the F-15SGs.

The RSAF is also due take delivery of H225M medium-lift and Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from 2020 onwards, along with “newer UAVs with better capabilities”.

http://www.aircosmosinternational.com/singapore-details-f-35-plans-121189  

Citation :

Singapore's next-generation Hunter armoured fighting vehicle breaks cover

Kelvin Wong, Singapore - Jane's International Defence Review

11 June 2019


The Singapore Army's new Hunter armoured fighting vehicle seen performing a high-speed manoeuvre during a mobility demonstration.
Source: IHS Markit/Kelvin Wong


The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has revealed fresh details of its latest Hunter tracked armoured fighting vehicle (AFV), its first armoured combat platform equipped with an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) capability. The new vehicle was commissioned into service during the Singapore Army armour formation's 50th anniversary parade on 11 June.

The 29.5 tonne Hunter AFV - earlier known as the Next-Generation Armoured Fighting Vehicle (NGAFV) prior to its commissioning - will replace the army's upgraded but ageing M113A2 Ultra armoured personnel carriers (APCs) which entered service from the 1970s and will operate alongside the in-service Bionix II infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). The new vehicle has been under development by Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in partnership with ST Engineering Land Systems since 2006.

"The [Hunter] AFV represents the predatory spirit to sense, track, and pursue its prey," said Chief Armour Officer Brigadier General Yew Chee Leung during a media briefing on 7 June, revealing that the platform family will include five variants: namely combat, command, bridge, engineer, and recovery.

"The Hunter works collectively as a pack to hunt in a networked fashion," Brig Gen Yew added. "It is also the protector and provider for the tribe, so we believe that these characteristics bode well with [its ability] to manoeuvre and overcome any potential aggressors to secure a swift and decisive victory."

According to the latest specifications supplied by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the baseline Hunter AFV is 6.9 m long, 3.4 m wide, and has an overall height of 3.4 m. It is operated by a crew of three comprising a driver seated on the front left, while the gunner and vehicle commander are seated side-by-side immediately behind the powerpack. Up to eight fully equipped dismounts can be transported in the rear troop compartment
 

Des F-16 Block 52 et 52+ sont en Inde pour un exercice avec l'aviation indienne. Ils se frotteront notamment aux SU-30 MKI indiens et Mirage 2000-5..

Les résultats de cet exercice pourraient fortement nous intéressé.

F-16 singapouriens en exercice avec l'aviation indienne

Citation :

Singapore, US Sign Agreement for RSAF Training Detachment in Guam

07 Desember 2019


RSAF F-16C/D and F-15SG (photo : Sing Gov)

SINGAPORE: Singapore and the United States have agreed to set up a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter training detachment in Guam, its fourth such detachment on US territory.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on Saturday (Dec 7) by Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his US counterpart, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

It lays out the framework for the RSAF’s detachment in Guam, covering the deployment of F-15SG and F-16 fighter aircraft and other supporting assets to the Anderson Air Force Base for training.

The agreement was reached following studies conducted with the US on a number of factors, including the suitability of the training area, infrastructure and other types of support, said Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

“The vast training airspace in Guam will allow the RSAF to conduct realistic training, to hone their capabilities and readiness,” it said.

Guam to be Fourth RSAF Detachment in US

Due to airspace constraints in Singapore, the RSAF has to look overseas to meet its training requirements.

Guam will be the air force’s fourth detachment on US territory after the Peace Carvin II F-16 fighter detachment at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, Peace Carvin V F-15SG fighter detachment at Mount Home Air Force Base in Idaho and Peace Vanguard AH-64 Apache helicopter detachment at Marana, also in Arizona.

The RSAF also has training detachments in Australia and France.

“These overseas detachments serve RSAF’s training needs to maintain operational readiness for Singapore’s air defence,” said MINDEF.

“This detachment in Guam, alongside other fighter deployments which train in the region such as in Australia, India and Thailand also allow quick redeployment of assets back to Singapore when required.”

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has trained in Guam since the 1990s and has deployed RSAF aircraft to the island since 2017 to conduct training with the US.

The possibility of Singapore establishing an RSAF training detachment in Guam was mentioned in 2016 in a joint statement between the two countries.

At the signing of the agreement on Saturday, Dr Ng said the training detachment allows the RSAF fighter force to achieve operational readiness.

It also reaffirms Singapore's position that the region's stability requires the influence and presence of the US, he added.

In his meeting with Mr Esper, Dr Ng expressed appreciation for the US' support for SAF's training in the country. Both men also reaffirmed the “excellent and long-standing defence relationship” between Singapore and the US, MINDEF said.

They also discussed a range of geopolitical developments, including the need to work closely with ASEAN countries to address regional security issues such as counter-terrorism, the ministry said.

Dr Ng is in the US until Sunday to attend the 7th Reagan National Defense Forum, where he will speak at a panel session titled Advancing US National Defense: Working with Allies and Partners.

(CNA)

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2019/12/singapore-us-sign-agreement-for-rsaf.html

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