Singapore seeks F-16 training

SINGAPORE, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Singapore's air force is considering training F-16 pilots in the United States.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of two F-16 training programs.

The first of those programs includes a $250 million deal to continue the Continental United States (CONUS) pilot proficiency training program for the Singapore Peace Carvin program at an Arizona Air Force Base.

The second program entails a $75 million CONUS plan at an Ohio National Guard Base where Singapore's air force will lease U.S. Air Force F-16s.

The decision has yet to be finalized, but U.S. officials expect the final agreement to be reached by the end of the year. That would allow for a potential pilot training program by October 2010.

"This would be a great thing for the community to maintain the full-jobs that are there and would set us up to continue an F-16 flying mission there for the foreseeable future," said Col. Mike Roberts, as reported by the Springfield News-Sun daily.

Defense experts say the proposed deal includes air modification kits, maintenance, participation in joint training exercises, pilot proficiency training and logistical support.

"Singapore is a firm supporter of U.S. overseas contingency operations," a press statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.

"This program will enable Singapore to develop mission-ready and experienced pilots through its CONUS training program to support Singapore's current and future F-16 aircraft inventory," the statement added.

U.S. Rep. Steve Austria, R-Ohio, told the Springfield News-Sun that he was working hard with the Air Force and the Air National Guard to bring the program's mission to Springfield, Ohio.

"It's very important to maintain the jobs we have at the Springfield Air National Guard Base and it would be a tremendous boost for the community," he said. "It would bring stability to the guard base."

Nicknamed Black Widows, Singapore's 425th Fighter Squadron has about a dozen F-16C/Block 52 fighters assigned to Luke Air Force Base in Arizona.

Singapore has had its F-16 pilots trained there since the early 1990s.

A total of 14 Dutch combat pilots have received similar training in Springfield since 2007. But that mission is scheduled to end in 2010.

Austria said his office was working to extend such training programs.

"We would like to see the mission grow if the demand is there," the officials said, according to the Springfield New-Sun.

If approved, experts anticipate at least 12 students a year from Singapore to fly 10 leased U.S. Air Force F-16s.