Defense News
05/12/08
Lockheed Wins Singapore Air Force Contract
By Wendell Minnick
Lockheed Martin has won a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) contract for the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods (ATP) for the air force's fleet of F-16 Block 52 fighters. Contract values were not disclosed, but the deal includes integration, spares, support equipment and integrated logistics support. Deliveries will begin in 2010.
Competitors included the Thales Damocles Multifunction Targeting Pod, which France outfits on its Mirage 2000 fighters, and the Rafael Litening Targeting Pod, which Israel outfits on its F-16s.
"The RSAF carefully chose Sniper ATP, the world's most advanced targeting pod, for its world class reliability, long-range performance advantages that allow aircrews to complete missions successfully outside threat ranges, as well as its unique capabilities and interoperability within the RSAF fleet," said Marc Nazon, International Programs Manager at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control in a May 7 press release. "Sniper ATP offers aircrews precision engagement opportunities while remaining well out of harm's way."
The Sniper ATP incorporates a high-resolution, midwave forward looking infrared, dual-mode laser, and CCD-Tv, along with a laser spot tracker and marker.
"Sniper ATP will achieve seamless integration with no operational limitations on the F-16 Block 52 aircraft, and Sniper ATP offers the low-risk, high-performance and support cost savings that no other system can match. Sniper ATP also provides operational and support commonality advantages across multiple international users and platforms," according to the press release.
Singapore's F-16s will be joined with new F-15SGs. Singapore and Boeing signed a contract in December 2005 for 12 F-15SG with an option for eight, plus four, exercised in 2007.
