Singapore has raised its defence budget for 2023 - its financial year cycle starts from 1st Apr to 31st Mar.

Singapore's 2022 Defence Budget: $SGD 16.36 billion or USD $12.2 billion

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-det...-defence-budget

Singapore's 2023 Defence Budget: $SGD $17.98 billion or USD $13.5 billion

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/budg...-the-year-ahead

The rise in Singapore's budget is not unexpected (although it seems slightly higher):

https://www.army-technology.com/features/au...-to-globaldata/

Singapore is buying dozens of F35A and/or Bs, completed upgrading works for 70 F16Vs (per Spiri report), constructing at least 6 MRCV heavy frigates or destroyers, upgrading another 6 Formidable Class frigates (mid-life upgrade), adding/added additional Leopard 2Sgs and Hunter AFVs, new MPAs, new JMMS LHDs, constructing light frigates/OPVs, new optionally manned mine counter measure USV carrier vessels, etc.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 18 2023, 07:50 PM

Interesting chart:



https://www.statista.com/chart/12657/german...-for-the-world/

Previous post somewhere in this thread or forum i cant recall:

Sg has received at least 224 Leopard 2 tanks (thus far - latest tanks seen in publicly available photos show the 200-210 tank serial numbers). The Leopard 2 tanks replaces some 350 retired AMX 13 SM1 tanks:



This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 08:38 PM

Info on the new radar on Sg's newly upgraded F16Vs (upgraded from F16 C/D Blk 50/52+):

https://www.northropgrumman.com/wp-content/...A-datasheet.pdf

https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/...ar-apg-83-aesa/



Source: Sipri




RSAF F16Vs, however, are expected to be drawn down in 2030 into storage reserve i.e. replaced by F35s.

Now, it would be interesting to see if RSAF opts to fly them beyond 2030 together with the F35s and upgraded F15SGs (expected mid-life upgrade to EX standard by end 2020s) if the security situation worsens in Asia.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 01:01 PM

SPY-6(V)2 EASR Radar Fitted Aboard Richard M. McCool Jr

The Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (EASR) antenna was fitted on the future USS Richard M. McCool Jr. (LPD 29) on Jan.16, 2023.

SPY-6(V)2 ^

SPY-6(V)2 provides the U.S. Navy with a common hardware variant for carrier and amphibious ships. In addition to providing hardware and software commonality, the radar will also contribute to increased engagement and overall ship self-defense.

As with all incremental technology enhancements, the Navy is applying an increased focus to ensure that the system is provided on schedule, integrated into the ship/combat system and activated. Ultimately, EASR will be made ready as an integral sensor in an integrated Ship Self-Defense System to support the ship’s employment.

As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.

The SPY-6 family is integrated, meaning it can defend against ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, hostile aircraft and surface ships simultaneously. And it offers many advantages over legacy radars, such as greater detection range, increased sensitivity and more accurate discrimination.

SPY-6 comes in four variants:

SPY-6(V)1 is designed for the new DDG 51 Flight III destroyers.
SPY-6(V)2, also known as the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (rotator variant), is designed for amphibious assault ships and Nimitz-class carriers.
SPY-6(V)3, also known as the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar (fixed variant), is designed for Ford-class aircraft carriers and FFG(X) guided missile frigates.
SPY-6(V)4 is designed to upgrade the in-service DDG 51 Flight IIA destroyers.
Each variant uses the same hardware and software, and their construction is modular, making SPY-6 more reliable and less expensive to maintain. The radar is built with individual ‘building blocks’ called radar modular assemblies (RMA). Each RMA is a self-contained radar antenna in a 2’x2’x2’ box. The RMAs stack together to fit the mission requirements of any ship – a feature that makes SPY-6 the Navy’s first truly scalable radar.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/0...rd-m-mccool-jr/
----------------

The relevance of the above report is the future surveillance radar for Singapore's Multi Role Combat Vessel (MRCV) heavy frigates or destroyers and mid-life upgrade for the Formidable class frigates. Singapore has expressed interest in fixed powerful AESA/PESA planar arrays, in particular the Aegis's SPY radar:

https://seapowermagazine.org/raytheons-spy-...es/?print=print



If this comes to fruition, the selected radar will likely be the SPY-6(V)3 or SPY-6(V)4. However, Singapore will need to integrate it with the Aster 30 and MICA VL NG (expected to replace the Aster 15s) on board the Formidables and MRCVs. I doubt this will be a problem for the active Asters and Mica missile systems.

The first MRCV will be ready in 2025 and all 6 (Sg may consider more) will be commissioned by 2030.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 04:45 PM

The main competition will come from Thales SeaFire radar (which I think will eventually win):



https://www.radartutorial.eu/19.kartei/07.n...arte044.en.html

Range is up to 500km for big stuffs like a 747. 300km for smaller objects like missiles.

Whilst the MRCV heavy frigates/destroyer is certain to get fixed planar AESA radars, the "sensor or radar" upgrade (Singapore is also upgrading the Formidables communications, battle management and weapon systems) to the Formidable may be just an upgrade to the still powerful Herakles radar (SeaFire's predecessor). The current range of the Herakles is >250km (good when first introduced in the 2000s). The upgraded Herakles has range in excess of >300km. The upgraded Herakles has already been successfully tested on the French FREMM Frégate Européenne Multimissions de Défense Aérienne) (classified as air defence destroyers e.g. Alsace (D656)):



Otherwise, Singapore will have to do structural modifications to the Formidable class, particularly the mast, to acomodate the planar arrays, for e.g. the Meko A-300:



Seafire and the upgraded Herakles are already integrated with Asters and Mica missile systems.

Both the MRCV heavy frigates/destroyer and upgraded Formidable frigates will be ready by 2030.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 05:01 PM

^ Probably talking about the incoming MRCV and upgraded Formidables.



MRCV - pretty sure not the final design^. Tonnage wise full load - estimated 6000 to 7000+/8000 tons. Remember it will carry 17-18metres USVs (at least 2 in its docking bays), UAVs, RHIBs, UUVs and an embarked helicopter. Mad robot carrier bristling with weapons and sensors.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 04:44 PM

Singapore To Buy 1,000 JDAM Bomb Kits From U.S

SINGAPORE–The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of 1,000 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bomb kits and 250 Paveway II guided bombs kits to Singapore.

It would be one of, if not the largest single acquisition of precision munition kits by the country as its JDAM-capable fighter fleet expands.

A Defense Security Cooperation Agency press release said the $55 million package will include 100 KMU-556 tail kits for the GBU-31, 900 KMU-572 kits for the GBU-38 and Laser JDAM GBU-54, 250 500-lb. GBU-12 Paveway-II computer control and air foil group, as well as spares and support equipment.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is currently upgrading its Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Blk 52 under a midlife upgrade program which will certify the aircraft with the JDAM and AIM-9X as well as radar and avionics improvements. (Mai's note: F16Vs) A batch of upgraded F-16C/Ds are currently at Luke AFB, Arizona, likely for live munition certifications tests.

With limited space in Singapore, the RSAF conducts its munitions drops overseas, such as in Australia and the U.S.

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/miss...am-bomb-kits-us



The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions.

JDAM GBU-31 is a 2,000 lbs (900 kg) bomb
JDAM Laser GBU-54/B is a 2,000 lbs (900 kg) bomb
JDAM GBU-38 is a 500 lbs (225 kg) bomb (*For reference, a NSM missile carries a warhead weighing 120kg.)

Range of JDAM-equipped bombs range from 15 nautical miles (28 km) to over 37+ nautical miles (70 km) depending on the specific JDAM kit used.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 07:47 PM

Likely in conjunction the 6th Gen Spike Nlos missiles which are better than maverick missiles.

When launched from Apaches or fixed wing aircrafts including Herons UAVs, the Spike NLOS has a range of 50km and can hit both stationary and moving land and maritime targets. Being essentially an anti tank missile, it can breach practically most targets.

Singapore produces Spike missiles in Singapore under an agreement with Rafael and jointly sells them to regional countries e.g. Thailand.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 20 2023, 08:59 PM

Western weapon merchants tend to understate capabilities. Ruskies tend to do the opposite.

GMLRS rockets (you know they are guided and can change trajectory so you might as well call them missiles) have always been known to have a range in excess of 90km. In the CONUS White Sands test range, they were successfully tested out to 92km. The Ukrainians were sniping Russian positions with precision effect from more 100km using the same rocket.

Now that Australia has bought the GMLRS ER with range between 150km to 200km, Sg is sure to follow.

You do not need a GMLRS rocket for every single target. Different targets can be taken out using other munitions which can be cheaper.

https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwa...istic-missiles/

This is in response to customers requests from around the world. Spyder SR used by Sg has a range of 41km ,(likely with the new Derby ER missile). Spyder MR used by the Philippines has a range of about 80km. Spyder SR is considered short range even though it is close to being a medium range missile system. Spyder MR is considered medium range

Interestingly, Spyder has a secondary CRAM role. Medium to long range theatre protection missile systems available in the region that can shoot down ballistic missiles are Sg Aster 30 Blk 1 missiles and Vietnam's S300 missiles.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 21 2023, 09:41 AM

Yea. It is open source. Derby and pythons are on RSAF fighters.

Singapore exercises option for 8 more F35bs per the initial FMS notice several years ago.

This brings the total number of F35s bought to 12 so far. Per Singapores procurement style, the F35s will be bought in batches.

Singapore has previously told the F35 program office that it will buy up to 100 F35s (likely tagged to the security situation in Asia). Recently, it was also revealed that Singapore is looking at the F35A model. It is likely that Singapore will end up with a mixed F35A/B fleet.

https://mothership.sg/2023/02/rsaf-8-more-f...fighter-planes/



This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 24 2023, 09:10 PM

Singapore isn't replacing the F15s with the F35s. The F35s are replacing the F16Vs in stages (some may add the F5 S/Ts which were retired a few years ago).

The F15SGs are expected to undergo a mid-life upgrade to the latest F15 standard in the late 2020s before being replaced by a 6th generation aircraft.

USAF has no choice for now until the NGAD starts production.

The F15 is a heavy multi role combat and F35 is a medium class multi role combat jet which are in different categories.

The F35s are built to replace the F16s, F18s, etc.

The likely replacement for Singapores F15s will be the NGAD and barring a ban on sale of that 6th gen combat jet, it will be the UK-Japan-Italian Tempest. Before that, the F15SGs will undergo a mid-life stop-gap upgrade similar to what is happening to Singapores F16s C/D+s to F16Vs.

On paper, it is nuts to go up against the RSAF unless you have a death wish or incur significant losses in the case of a certain global power close-by. From a certain pov, RSAF purchases does add to regional deterrence.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 25 2023, 02:21 PM

I doubt RSAF will keep the F15Sgs or the post mid-life updated F15Sgs for so long as it will be outpaced by technology.

What is happening is that each of the royal Singapore armed forces 4 services i.e. army, RSAF, RSN and Digital/Cyber warfare and Intelligence has a list of projects in an order of priority.

RSN for example is focused on the Multi Role Combat Vessels which will likely be the most sophisticated and powerful surface combatant in South East Asia when introduced in 2025 to 2030, mid life update of the Formidable frigates and new light frigates/OPVs amidst integrating the new Invincible class submarines.

RSAF is likely focused on completing the upgrades of the F16C/Ds to F16Vs + phased purchase of F35A/Bs in batches + completion of deliveries of the Chinooks and Cougar helicopters + new MPAs (with the navy) before it focuses on other planned developments.

An example of a development which took years of focus and is largely completed is the Island Defence System which saw the I hawk missiles replaced by Aster 30 Blk 1 missile systems, Rapier missiles replaced by Spyder SR missile systems, new Bolide MK2 missiles, new CRAM systems (likely Iron Dome if you care to connect the sub systems and Sgs requirements) Iglas, etc. and integration of all these systems into a one-stop performing system.

Even with a 2023 USD $13.4 billion defence budget, Singapore could not do everything at once. SAFs projects take years to complete.

So Singapore will focus on the F15Sgs in due time. It is just not an area of focus for now.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 25 2023, 02:58 PM

Yes the F15Sgs will be around but not too long (20 to 30 years in total similar to the F16s). It has yet to undergo a mid-life upgrade - I suspect late 2020s. Only then RSAF can talk about a replacement.

Singapore has stated yesterday that the steady state will be F35s + F15Sgs in the early 2030s. The last F16V will be retired by mid 2030s.

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 25 2023, 03:06 PM

What one can expect over the next few years is as follows:

1) Additional F35s As or Bs orders in batches to be delivered by 2030 or latest 2031 to 2032. RSAF will need time to integrate the air frames and pilots so that the F16Vs can be smoothly retired in early 2030s.

2) Details on the MRCV heavy frigates/destroyers and completion (first ship ready in 2025)

3) Details on the upgraded Formidable frigates and completion (project to be completed before 2030; likely first ship by 2025)

4) New MPAs (likely by 2025-26 as Fokker 50s are getting old)

5) New OPVs/light frigates (first ship in 2026)

6) JMMS LHDs - I think this will be later in 2020s or early 2030s.

7) New Self propelled howitzers

8) New 3rd gen or 4 gen Broncos

9) I am going to throw a wildcard - replacements for Bionix IFVs and it will be domestically designed.

10) new attack helicopters - yes..the Apaches are due to be replaced.

11) Others - likely we will hear through 3rd party sources e.g. involvement in projects.e.g. Re: video of Sg Himars firing PRsM long range ballistic missiles .

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 25 2023, 04:04 PM

Whether or not it stays around 70 to 80+ F35s in total or go up to 100 depends on Sgs own perception of her security needs. I've shared previously that RSAF F16 serial numbers reach the 90ish serials so they have that number of F16s. They have also retired the 40+ F5 S/Ts which to date remain officially unreplaced.

If Singapore thinks that the region is all pretty and full of honey, she won't be having a defence budget of USD $13.5 billion this year. In fact, Sgs defence budget is projected to increase to USD 15+ billion by 2027.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/singapore-i...-to-f-16-fleet/

https://sldinfo.com/2013/03/singapore-to-buy-f-35bs/

This post has been edited by Mai189: Feb 26 2023, 12:28 AM