Singapore requests upgrade of its F-16s

WASHINGTON, May 7 (UPI) -- The upgrade of 60 F-16C/D/D+ aircraft flown by Singapore is in the works through a possible U.S. Foreign Military Sales program deal worth about $130 million.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in its required notification to Congress that the proposed sale had been approved by the State Department and would serve U.S. national interests.

"This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by increasing the ability of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to support regional security, the agency said. "The improved capability, survivability, and reliability of the newly upgraded F-16s will enhance the RSAF's ability to defend its borders and contribute to coalition operations."

The upgrades are related to the reliability, supportability, and combat effectiveness of the aircraft. The entire package, however, would include provision of Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing Systems, Advanced identification friend-or-foe interrogator/transponders, missile launchers, Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits, munition fuze units, a variety of bombs, communivations equipment and GPS/inertial navigation systems and other gear.

Logistics and other support services would also be provided, DSCA said.

More than a dozen companies -- such as Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon -- would be principal contractors for the upgrades and equipment.