Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
The five-seat Bell 505 was originally designed for the utility, executive/passenger and law enforcement markets but is gaining traction as a military trainer. (Photo: Bell)
Three Bell 505 light single-engine helicopters have been delivered to the Royal Bahrain Air Force during an inspection and acceptance event in February 2023, Bell Textron announced on 15 March.
The delivery marks the first 505 rotorcraft for the Gulf country and also includes training, tools and spare parts.
‘With low operating costs and high reliability, the Bell 505 has emerged as a customer favourite to prepare cadets for a safer and more effective transition to advanced helicopters,’ said Sameer Rehman, managing director for Africa and the Middle East at Bell.
The Bahrain Defense Force has flown the Bell 212 and multiple generations of AH-1 attack helicopters.
Other military customers for Bell 505 are Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Montenegro and South Korea.
The five-seat Bell 505 was originally designed for the utility, executive/passenger and law enforcement markets. It can reach a top speed of 125kt carrying a weight of 680kg.
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.