Singapore Deploys MBDA’s Aster 30 Air-Defense Missile

The Aster 30 medium-range air-defense missile (highlighted in red) is shown to have attained operational status in this graphic released March 2 by Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, five years after it placed an order. (image : Sing MoD)

Singapore has announced for the first time that it has operationally deployed the MBDA Aster 30 air defense system that it had ordered at the end of summer 2013. This is the first time that the ground-launched version of the Aster medium-range missile is deployed by a non-European nation.

Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed the delivery of the system in a speech to Parliament’s defense committee on March 2.

Ng Eng Hen had first announced the Aster’s acquisition decision in September 2013 to replace the aging American Hawk system acquired more than thirty years ago.

At the time, replying to a Parliamentary question, said “I would like to announce today that the SAF will also be acquiring the ASTER-30 Surface-to-Air Missile System. This missile defence system against airborne threats is used by advanced militaries such as France and Italy. The ASTER-30's capabilities are many times more potent than our current I-HAWK ground-based air defence system.

“The ASTER will allow us to engage multiple threats simultaneously and from a longer distance. It will complement the [Israel Aerospace Industries] SPYDER, which we have already operationalised - it is a mobile, shorter-range, quick reaction ground-based air defence system - and together, they will provide a layered air defence shield.

A fact sheet on the Aster 30 was published at the same time on the Singapore defense ministry’s website.

Also at the time, the CEO of European missile maker MBDA, Antoine Bouvier, noted that the Aster 30 had been selected over competing American and Israeli systems thanks to its "performance" and "price."

“Our skies will be better protected with advanced weapon systems,” Ng said March 2, adding that “We also recently added the ASTER-30 surface-to-air missile system.” The Aster 30 is also included in an infographic illustrating the most capable in-service weapon systems.

Although the Aster 30 was only recently delivered, it would likely already be part of the Air Force Island Air Defense (IAD) system of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). The IAD network, covering the whole of Singapore (42 kilometers long and 23 kilometers wide), connects all RSAF weapons and air defense sensors, including fighters, air-to-surface systems and radar.

The Aster 30 missile system is operated by a single unit, 163 Squadron.

Sagem GFCS Fire-Control System Wins Major Contract from Singapore Navy

The upcoming Littoral Mission Vessel class program for Singapore comprises eight 1,200-tonne vessels. This program, being led by ST Marine as prime contractor, will replace the country’s current Fearless-class patrol vessels. (photo : militarynuts)

Sagem (Safran) has signed a contract with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) of Singapore to develop and produce a new Gun Fire-Control System (GFCS) for eight Littoral Mission Vessels ordered by the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Sagem’s new GFCS is a centralized system located at the ship’s operations center that integrates several functions: main and secondary guns, radar, optronics and navigation systems. Capable of operating from several multifunction consoles concurrently, Sagem’s GFCS will also be interfaced with the combat management system. It’s open architecture not only allows for easy integration but also ensures flexibility and scalability for future upgrades and enhancement.

A long-standing partner to the Singapore Navy, Sagem has also supplied the GFCS for the six Formidable class frigates, and four Endurance class LSTs.

The new GFCS will be developed by Sagem at its Massy R&D center near Paris. Through this program Sagem provides further proof of its capabilities as systems integrator for combat systems, sensors and decentralized information on military platforms.

(Safran Sagem)

Singapore requests AMRAAM missiles

WASHINGTON, April 8 (UPI) -- The U.S. military has notified Congress of a possible $210 million package deal to Singapore for 100 AIM-120C7 AMRAAM missiles.

Included in the Foreign Military Sale would be would be associate equipment, parts, training and logistical support, including an AMRAAM programmable advanced system interface simulator and 10 AMRAAM Spare Guidance Sections.

Other equipment in the deal would be AN/AVS-9(V) night vision goggles and common munitions built-in-test reprogramming equipment as well as missile containers, spare and repair parts, support equipment, tools and test equipment, and U.S. government and contractor logistics and support.

DSCA said the FMS is in support of a direct commercial sale to Singapore of new F-15SG fighters.

"This proposed sale will improve the Republic of Singapore Air Force's air-to-air capability and ability to defend its nation and cooperate with allied air forces," it said.

Prime contractors would be Raytheon Missile Systems, Honeywell Aerospace, ITT Night Vision, and ATK Defense Electronic Systems.

Temporary assignment of government or contractor personnel to Singapore would not be required.

The request for AMRAAMs coincided with a request from Singapore for 20 AIM 9X-2 Sidewinder Block I missiles and associated equipment for $36 million.

UPI

Singapore Orders AIM 9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress April 3 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Singapore for 20 AIM 9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All Up Round Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $36 million.

The Government of the Republic of Singapore has requested a possible sale of 20 AIM 9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All Up Round Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 5 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance units, containers, spare and repair parts, support and test equipment, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated cost is $36 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore to contribute to regional security. Its contributions to counter-piracy and counterterrorism efforts continue to stabilize a critical chokepoint where much of the world’s goods and services transit en route to and from the Asia Pacific region. The proposed sale will improve the security of a strategic partner which has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Asia Pacific region. Specifically, this proposed sale will improve the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) air to air capability and ability to defend its nation and cooperate with allied air forces.

The Republic of Singapore requires these missiles to meet current and future threats of enemy aircraft. The proposed sale will enhance RSAF’s ability to operate with coalition forces in bilateral and multilateral exercises and potential air defense operations. Singapore will use these capabilities as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing the AIM-9X-2 into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Republic of Singapore.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

Singapore Poised To Announce Purchase Of 12 F-35Bs

WASHINGTON: Singapore is expected to announce sometime in the next 10 days that it plans to buy its first squadron --12 planes -- of some 75 of Lockheed Martin's F-35Bs, further bolstering what had been the flagging fortunes of the world's most expensive conventional weapon system.

The fact that American allies in the Pacific are the ones committing to the controversial and over-budget aircraft is telling. If you want to understand the calculus driving these choices, first look at China, which to countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Australia is the primary long-term threat.

The Singaporeans are extremely shy about declaring their intentions in public, eager to offer few chances for China and Malaysia to react, but two sources familiar with the program confirmed the likely announcement. Given Singapore's tiny size its choice of which of the three F-35 versions to buy is not surprising. A plane that can take off almost vertically and can land vertically is able to operate from a much smaller footprint than, say the F-35A (the Air Force version) or F-16 Block 60s. And, given Singapore's geography, the F-35B makes great sense for its ability to operate closely with the US Marines -- as well as with F-35Cs operating from our aircraft carriers.

The Singaporeans decision will eventually leave China -- and Russia, still something of a Pacific power -- facing 50 to 100 Australian F-35As, 42 F-35As in Japan, 75Bs in Singapore and however many of the three versions built and fielded by the Untied States are regularly in the Pacific. Then consider the F-35, which offers the first true integrated global supply chain for a major weapon system and offers highly classified capabilities which America had previously not made available to allies.

But the underlying reason for the choice of Singapore and the other Pacific countries may be found in the conclusion of these countries about the F-35's effectiveness. One senior official from the region, who has access to the most sensitive classified information about the system, told me recently that the F-35 is "simply undefeatable." And this official said the aircraft is expected to maintain its dominance for at least one quarter of a century.

If you link the F-35s from Singapore, Japan and Australia with the US planes that will be stationed throughout the Pacific at Air Force bases, on aircraft carriers and on the Gator navy's ships, then the US and allied presence will loom large in an arc from Alaska west and south to the bottom of the South China Sea and then back down to Australia and across to Hawaii. Strengthening this highly capable net will be the new F-35 plant Japan is expected to announce soon. Mistubishi Heavy Industries is expected to construct a plant to build Japan's F-35s. It would eventually provide the US and its Pacific allies with a central repair and replacement plant in the region, one in addition to any repair centers the US builds in the region.

Add the regular port visits to Singapore by the Littoral Combat Ship fleet to the F-35 decision and you've got a pretty powerful national security statement by the tiny state.

Can you say AirSea Battle?

Aol Defense

Singapore to Replace Challenger Class Submarines and in 'Final Stages' of Evaluating F-35

F-35 as a possible replacement for F-15SG and F-16C/D (photo : Shoot&Scoot)

SINGAPORE: Singapore is in the final stages of evaluating the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter as a possible replacement for its F-15 and F-16 planes, the defence minister said in remarks published Tuesday.

Ng Eng Hen told parliament on Monday that the wealthy city-state was also looking to replace its submarine fleet as part of plans to further improve its military, already the best equipped in Southeast Asia.

"Though the F-35 is still in development, we are nonetheless interested in the platform for our future needs," Ng said during a debate on the national budget.

A recording of his remarks was posted Tuesday on a government website.

"The F-35 will be the vanguard of next-generation fighter aircraft in operation," he added.

Ng said Singapore's Boeing F-15 fighters "are nearing the end of their operational life" and its Lockheed Martin F-16s are at their mid-life mark.

"For the longer term, the RSAF (Republic of Singapore Air Force) has identified the F-35 as a suitable aircraft to further modernise our fighter fleet. We are now in the final stages of evaluating the F-35," he said.

The single-engine fighter, which has advanced software and stealth capability, is being developed under a programme led by the United States, with eight countries helping to fund the aircraft.

Since the contract was awarded to US aerospace giant Lockheed Martin in 2001, the cost has skyrocketed and the project has been plagued with delays.

Challenger class submarines consist of four submarines : RSS Challenger (ex-HMS Sjöbjörnen), RSS Conqueror (ex-HMS Sjölejonet), RSS Centurion (ex-HMS Sjöormen), RSS Chieftain (ex-HMS Sjöhunden), the submarine has 50m in length and max displacement 1.500 tons submerged (photo : Lucian Teo)

In the latest glitch, the US military last month suspended all test flights over potential engine problems after a crack was discovered on a turbine blade in one F-35 engine.

However, the Pentagon's director of the F-35 programme, Lieutenant General Christopher Bogdan, dismissed any talk of foreign customers backing out.

Singapore's defence ministry "will have to be satisfied that this state-of-art multi-role fighter meets our long-term needs, is on track to be operationally capable, and most importantly, is a cost-effective platform," Ng said.

He said Singapore was also aiming to replace its ageing Challenger class submarines which it acquired as refurbished units from Sweden in the 1990s.

Financial Times

ST Engineering Wins Newbuild Contractor for Eight Naval Vessel for Singapore

Jan 31, 2013- Singapore – Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering) today announced that the Group has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) for the design and build of eight new vessels. This new development attests to the Group’s core strength of providing integrated capabilities and solutions to support its customers.

Fearless class patrol vessel (photo : cjdby)

The Group’s marine arm, Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine) will build the eight vessels at its Singapore Benoi Yard. Singapore Technologies Electronics Limited (ST Electronics), the Group’s electronics arm, will supply the core combat systems and combat system integration solutions. ST Marine will carry out the platform system integration as the lead system integrator.

Design of the vessels will commence immediately and the delivery of these vessels is expected to be from 2016 onwards. These new vessels will replace the Republic of Singapore Navy’s existing Fearless-class Patrol Vessels, indigenously designed and built by ST Marine in the 1990s.

“We are honoured to be awarded this contract by MINDEF, which reflects the excellent partnership between MINDEF and ST Engineering. It also demonstrates our continuing efforts and commitment to develop indigenous capability to better support MINDEF in the area of design, construction, operations and support.” ~ NG Sing Chan, President, ST Marine

As we are under contractual obligation to observe confidentiality in respect of the contract, we are unable to disclose any further details.

This contract is not expected to have any material impact on the consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share of ST Engineering for the current financial year.

(STEngg)