For over US$2.3 billion, the U.S. authorizes the sale of new P-8A Poseidon aircraft to replace Singapore’s Fokker F-50s

The United States Government has authorized the potential sale of new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to equip the Singapore Armed Forces. Valued at US$2.316 billion and carried out under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the transaction was formally notified by the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Congress for approval on January 20.

In late September of last year, the Government of Singapore announced the selection of the Poseidon—developed and produced by Boeing for the U.S. Navy and allied countries—as the platform chosen to renew its Armed Forces’ maritime patrol, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as well as antisubmarine and anti-surface warfare roles.

With this selection and the start of negotiations with the U.S. Government, Singapore initiated a process aimed at replacing its current Fokker F-50 aircraft, operated by both the Navy and the Air Force, as its primary maritime patrol platform. It should be noted that, among the candidates evaluated, the country’s Ministry of Defence also considered Airbus’ proposal based on a specialized version of the C295.

In service since 1993 and based on a passenger transport aircraft, Singapore’s F-50s have stood out as a platform that proved its value in maritime surveillance and patrol missions in Southeast Asia. This is evidenced by their participation in the Combined Maritime Air Patrol “Eyes in the Sky,” which brought together assets and personnel from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Equipped with the Raytheon AN/APS-134 radar, FLIR systems, and significant anti-surface and antisubmarine warfare capabilities—based on the ability to launch Harpoon missiles and A244S lightweight torpedoes—these aircraft and their crews have completed a full service cycle for the country and now require a well-deserved successor.

According to the notification published by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the Government of Singapore requested the purchase of a total of four (4) P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, along with their respective packages of equipment and armament.

Valued at the aforementioned US$2.316 billion, and with Boeing as the principal contractor, the authorized package also includes the provision of Mk 54 Mod 0 lightweight torpedoes, MX-20HD electro-optical systems, missile warning systems for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N countermeasures system, AN/AAQ-2(V) acoustic systems, AN/APY-10 radars, and ALQ-213 early warning management systems.

The U.S. Department of State stated: “This proposed sale will enhance the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia.”

Adding that: “The proposed sale will improve Singapore’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible maritime force capable of deterring potential adversaries and participating in joint operations with the United States and its allies. The proposed sale will also support Singapore’s goal of strengthening its national and territorial defense, as well as increasing interoperability with U.S. and allied forces. Singapore will have no difficulty integrating this equipment into its Armed Forces.”

*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.

You may also be interested in: The first of the six new MRCV ‘drone carrier’ frigates of the Singapore Navy has been launched