Singapore eyes C-295MPA and P-8 for maritime patrol aircraft requirement
The P-8 could offer benefits including a mature platform, faster transit times and interoperability with a large international user base (Photo: Boeing)
The down-selection of both the aircraft comes amid maritime tensions in the region.
Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen announced that the city-state is considering the purchase of either the Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) or Boeing’s P-8 Poseidon during a parliament budget session on 3 March. No timelines were given for when a selection could take place.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) operates five Fokker 50 Enforcer II MPAs since 1994, alongside another four configured for transport and utility, all due for replacement.
The Fokker 50 MPAs underwent a limited life-extension programme in 2017 to update the maritime patrol radar, electro-optical/infrared sensors, and communication systems. The aircraft are nearing
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform]()
“Gloves are off” as US Defense Secretary memo calls for sweeping drone procurement reform
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has promised to usher in a new era of “military drone dominance”.
-
![Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS]()
Norway cleared for possible $2.6 billion HH-60W helicopter FMS
The possible sale for nine HH-60W by the US government could make Norway the first Foreign Military Sale customer for the rescue and combat helicopter and add to the country’s ongoing acquisition of Sikorsky-made helicopters.
-
![National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme]()
National Audit Office report highlights major delays in UK’s F-35 programme
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
-
![France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production]()
France and UK to resume and upgrade Storm Shadow/SCALP production
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
-
![Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports]()
Boeing E-7A still in South Korean AEW&C competition, despite dropout reports
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
