Cheap and good planes

F16 planes are no longer deem as effective and cost saving multi-role plane in the airforce. They have reached their ultimate upgrades and unable to match other planes which are newer in design and technology.

Too expensive to maintain or operate as a strike aircraft and too weak to secure the sky from others.

I really hope Singapore airforce could get Gripen NG which cost less on per unit, maintenance and operation.
Yes, they might not be from US. But they can help us get the quantity while keeping the technology upgrades available in the future.

We could get the F35s, but they are really expensive and to say the least, they ain't much to show except the stealth. Low payload, unimpressive range, low max speed, unable to pull tight manoeuvres. Good sensors and radars... But why are we paying so much money for a fighter plane that do best at only recon or AWACS roles?

We could get a squadron of F35s but we desperately need a workhorse fighter plane to deliver the quantity in the sky.

Getting the F15s is only a transition or a buffer for retiring our A4s. The F15s are still impressive as a strike plane due to her range and payload. However, the cost of operation, maintenance and per plane is very high.

I hope the Singapore defense minister and the generals will not buy too much F35s. The only variant that I agree if they decided to buy is F35B and that is they decided to build 1 or 2 JMMS with a flat top for short term navy aviation deployment. If not, please don't waste the money on a plane that try to do too many roles.

Singapore need a workhorse plane in the airforce and F35 isn't the one that fit the bill nor have the ability to be in it.

Gripen is a cheaper alternative. They are better than the F16 in almost every aspect. Gripen could use both US and Europe armament if required.

So please to the defense minister and generals, please think twice of getting the F35s. It's a lot of money we are talking about and it's the people's money you are spending.