In a press release that year marking its first F-16C/D, MINDEF described the jets as “among the most sophisticated and advanced multi-role fighters in the world”.
“The F-16C/D was selected by the RSAF as it is the most costeffective aircraft to meet Singapore’s defence and security needs,” it said.
“It also satisfies the RSAF’s requirements in terms of operations, life-cycle costs, logistic supportability and prospects for upgrade in the future.”
How have Singapore’s F-16s been upgraded over the years?
In 2015, the US State Department approved the sale of upgrades to Singapore for 60 F-16 jets, at an estimated cost of US$130 million.
Upgrades started the following year, with enhancements taking place in phases since then.
Former Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong said in February 2022 that the RSAF’s fleet of F-16C/Ds is being upgraded in phases, and it started taking delivery of the upgraded F-16s in June 2021.
These upgrades enhance the F-16s capabilities and keep them operationally ready until the mid-2030s, MINDEF said.
The upgrades include a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar to allow the F-16 to track and engage multiple targets from farther away, as well as an all-weather, ground-attack capability that enables it to strike targets with more capable precision munitions.
The new upgrades will also equip the jets with modern air-to-air missiles such as the Python-5 missile, enabling it to engage a wide spectrum of air threats for enhanced lethality and survivability.
With its new Air-to-Ground munitions system, the F-16 jets can also strike targets with greater accuracy in both day and night conditions using munitions such as the Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition.
In a fast-paced air combat environment, the upgraded F-16s will also be able to facilitate information exchange through its new Link-16 datalink capability, which allows the sharing of target information with other aircraft and ground forces. This can prevent the dual targeting and redundant employment of weapons.
Modern advanced air-to-air weapons will equip the aircraft with the capability to engage a wide spectrum of air threats within visual ranges, while a datalink capability and advanced helmet mounted display will provide the pilot with greater situational awareness.
