Singapore Approved For P-8A Poseidon, Mk54 Torpedo Sale
SINGAPORE has received approval from the US State Department on a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of Boeing P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft and Mk54 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of US$2.316 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
Singapore’s defence minister Chan Chun Sing informed his US counterpart Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on their decision to procure the aircraft last September.
“The Government of Singapore has requested to buy up to four (4) P-8A patrol aircraft; seven (7) Guardian laser transmitter assemblies for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N system; seven (7) system processors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N system with selective availability anti-spoofing modules; and eight (8) Mk54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes all up rounds. The following non-Major Defense Equipment items will also be included: tactical open mission software; electro-optical and infrared MX-20HD systems; missile warning sensors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N; AN/AQQ-2(V) acoustic systems; AN/APY-10 radar systems (with Global Positioning System); ALQ-213 early warning management systems; KIV-78 cryptographic appliques; A/N APX-123A Identification Friend or Foe transmitters; AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser system programmers; AN/PYQ-10 simple key loaders; aircraft spares; spare engines; support equipment; training devices; engineering support; training; classified and unclassified publications; classified and unclassified software; mission systems and other Government furnished equipment; classified and unclassified torpedo spare parts for the all up round and exercise torpedo configured Mk54 lightweight torpedoes; torpedo support equipment to include equipment and tools; classified software for test equipment; torpedo containers; recoverable exercise torpedoes; air launch accessories; torpedo support to include facility stand-up and test equipment support; classified and unclassified torpedo publications; other technical assistance to include technical support, technical program management, infrastructure support, test equipment sustainment, exercise firing assistance, and contract management; in-country torpedo training; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is US$2.316 billion.”
The DSCA release further read, “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. The proposed sale will improve Singapore’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible maritime force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in U.S allied operations. The proposed sale will support Singapore’s goal of improving national and territorial defense as well as increasing interoperability with US and allied forces. Singapore will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”
While the aircraft will be manufactured by Boeing, the majority of Mk54 lightweight torpedo hardware will be purchased directly from US Navy stock. There are a significant number of other companies under contract with the US Navy that will provide components, systems, and engineering services during the execution of this effort. At this time, the US Government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.
“Implementation of this proposed sale will require up to fourteen US Government and contractor representatives to travel to Singapore for a duration of up to two years to support aircraft fielding and maintenance, mission systems, training, and logistics and engineering technical assistance”, it added.