Chris Pocock has been covering the defense beat for AIN for over 30&nbsp;years. He is a British citizen and a graduate of the University of Cambridge. Chris worked in the air cargo business for ten years before becoming a full-time writer in 1983. He subsequently edited two air cargo journals before becoming AIN’s Defense Editor. He retired from that position in 2018, but still contributes to the publication. Chris has written extensively on aerial reconnaissance, including four books on the history of the U-2 spyplane. He also lectures on this and other topics related to intelligence-gathering in the Cold War.

Defense Correspondent

Chris Pocock

Singapore’s intention to upgrade its fleet of about 60 Lockheed Martin F-16C/D fighters was indicated by a recent notification to the U.S. Congress by the Pentagon. But no choice has yet been made between rival upgrade systems integrators BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin. According to the notification, the upgrade will cost Singapore an estimated $2.43 billion, although this total also includes three new weapons.


A spokesman for BAE Systems said the company is hoping for an open competition for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) requirement. It began initial design and development work for the Korean F-16 upgrade last month. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) has a fleet of more than 130 F-16s, and chose BAE Systems in preference to the OEM. BAE Systems in the U.S claims long experience with the F-16, including its flight control computers, cockpit displays, electronic warfare systems, fire control systems, advanced ethernet interface, and support equipment. The upgrade will include an AESA radar; the ROKAF <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-04-12/raytheon-breaks-f-16-radar-upgrade-market">separately chose</a> the Raytheon Advanced Combat Radar (RACR) in preference to the Northrop Grumman Scaleable Agile Beam Radar (SABR).


In late 2011, the U.S. Air Force chose Lockheed Martin to upgrade some 300 F-16C/Ds in a program named CAPES (Combat Avionics Programmed Extension Suite). The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF), which operates a fleet of 150 F-16A/Bs, subsequently followed suit. BAE Systems said it was not given the opportunity to compete in Taiwan. Then last August, Lockheed Martin <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-08-09/northrop-grumman-selected-us-f-16-aesa-radar">selected the SABR</a> in preference to the RACR, for the CAPES.


Meanwhile, however, the U.S. defense budget squeeze has cast doubt on whether the USAF can afford the $3 billion cost of upgrading its own F-16s.

Singapore Outlines Upgrade Plans for F-16C/Ds

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN