Celestar

SINGAPORE has become the first Asian country to join the biggest warplane programme in history, to develop the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter with the United States and at least eight other countries.

Expected to be the world's most advanced fighter jet, this supersonic machine is designed to attack moving targets in any environment. It uses stealth technology to prevent detection by radar or infrared sensors.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (Mindef) described it as a 'potential candidate to meet the Republic of Singapore Air Force's operation requirements for a multi-role fighter'.

Jane's Information Group, which publishes the authoritative Jane's Defence Weekly, estimates that each fighter will cost between US$28 million (S$49 million) and US$38 million.

Mindef said in a statement yesterday: 'The stealth fighter will have enhanced combat survivability, precision engagement and lower cost of maintenance.'

The Republic of Singapore Air Force has 140 planes in two A-4 squadrons, five F-5 squadrons and two F-16 squadrons.

The A-4 is a single-seater attack bomber usually for ground attack. The F-5 is a supersonic jet interceptor that performs a defensive role, while the F-16 handles attack and defence.

The new fighter jet being developed will add stealth capability and advanced weapons systems that allow it to hit targets more accurately.

It is expected to be the world's most widely owned warplane in the next half century, with Britain, Norway, Turkey, Australia, the Netherlands, Denmark, Canada and Italy also party to the development programme.

They have put in amounts ranging from US$150 million to US$2 billion, with Britain contributing the most.

Mindef did not mention cost in its statement yesterday, but according to the Pentagon's Joint Strike Fighter website, US$25 million to US$50 million is expected from each 'security co-operation participant'.

A full-scale mock-up of the F-35 was on show at the Asian Aerospace airshow last year.

And yesterday, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Peter Ho signed a letter of intent with Mr Edward Aldridge, the US Under-Secretary of Defence in charge of acquisition, technology and logistics.

Responding to The Sunday Times' questions yesterday, Mindef's spokesman said: 'The nature and extent of Singapore's participation have yet to be confirmed.'.

'Mindef and US officials are still in discussion over the details,' she added, repeating that line when asked how much Singapore would invest in the project.

Lockheed Martin, the aeronautics company widely seen as the leader in design, development and production of jet fighters, was awarded US$200 billion in October 2001 to build 3,000 F-35s to replace existing US and British fighters.

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