Singapore air force

Here comes 2018, we should rethink what our air force really need since its the most expensive branch in Singapore armed force.

Currently we are operating the F16Ds and D+, F15SG as air superiority, interceptors and deep strike roles. The F16s are getting old and obsolete even they are upgraded to ASEA radars. They used to be a CHEAP and GOOD choice but now, their ability to fight in the sky has greatly diminished due to the emergence of newer planes and avionics. Once quoted as a cheaper fighter plane isn't that cheap anymore. The maintenane and continuous upgrade had made these plane quite expensive.

F15s too are getting to their upgrades limit. But we are paying a SUPER PREMIUM price tag for them. This is absurd and stupid. The boasting of battle tested are only compared to fights those much inferior planes and ill-trained pilots.

Looking around us, everyone is gearing up. SU30/SU35 might be of Russia origin but they are definitely a few classes higher than the older generation MIGs and those rusty F5s. From information and testing, it is concluded that we need at least 2 F16 to counter 1 Su30 variant. Even our mighty F15 have to run if the SUs can engage them if engage in dogfight.

Of course, training of pilots is crucial here and I believe Singapore pilots are the best trained ones (only in SOUTH EAST ASIA).

No one knows what the outcome if our pilots happens to engage some of the J11 which is very similar to SU variant. They are well trained and well equipped unlike our neighbours.

Their planes are so much cheaper and superior than our planes. What chances do we have against them? I'm not saying we will go war with them but the deterence quote of being "a very painful sting", we must up our level to deter those big aggressors.

Should we continue our trend of buying inferior US planes to keep our sting as painful? Unless more is given and price is lowered, I sincerely hope our future purchase will not be blinded by political pressure

Don't waste money on heli flat top

It's a matter of time Paya Lebar airbase is going to close down. Left with Tengah and Changi airbase, I believe they will be easy targets for any aggressor especially the one who is building airbase in South China Sea.
It would be wise if our defence minister would up our naval spectrum of having a class of JMMS of 200m and above to store a squadron of fixed wing planes. It will be costly but the pilots can be trained in international waters/airspace instead of renting bases for training.
We could shut down a couple of overseas training bases which cost a lot of our tax payers money and divert it to increase our naval and air force assets and flexibility.

It would be STUPID to build a JMMS which can only store helicoters. They are basically sitting ducks without proper air cover from fighters. Due to the size and budget, we can't afford a fast engine like a nuclear ones. The threat of missile attacks can be either from the air, from the ship and even subs. Our JMMS can' t outrun the enemy ships/subs nor having the range to defend against fighters which can launch missiles from long distances. While some anti-ship missiles rely on stealth, some rely on speed. The moment the missile reached the horizon, the JMMS and her protectors will have only seconds to react, launch anti-missiles and pray.

We NEED a class of JMMS which can store, carry out maintenance, replenish and launch fighter jets. Regardless of what our neighbours think or say, our defence is utmost important then their pride. If we are going to spend big bucks, spend it wisely. Don't build something that is irrelevant. To build a flat top only to be a "gas/replenish" station is a total waste of money!
If they succumb to political pressure, please do not order and build JMMS. DO NOT give excuses of having a better ship for humanitarian aid or disaster relief when it's cost is too much for those. Why would we want to build a better ship for others if they do not care in the first place? We can help/assist but not at our expense of protecting our assets (JMMS).

It would be wiser to get more frigates/fighter planes/subs or even a land based sea defence missile system.

When the F15 was selected, I was disappointed but due to the fact that Typhoon is not mature and other options were not really into our requirement. I guess it's ok to have the eagles since the range and weapon payload is awesome. However, they come with a hefty price tag.

This time round, we have many options. We could build JMMS, we could buy from Spain or Italy. Both countries have ships that meet my expectations. There are many mature platforms to choose from.

Lastly, our local population growth is going south. I doubt we can have manpower to maintain 3 airbase plus the squadrons of plane they housed. Why not downsize our LST to 2 and build 2 JMMS which can house a Squadron of fixed wings? Increase land usage, reduce manpower, a better humanitarian aid, savings on renting bases for training, a better sea role position and power projection to our neighors especially the new one which just claimed the South China Sea.