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US clears $2.3B P-8A sale to Singapore
The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Singapore of Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft P-8A and MK 54 Lightweight Torpedoes and related equipment for an estimated cost of $2.316 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
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) MK 54 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 MK 54 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 $2.316 billion.
MK 54 lightweight torpedo purchased from US Navy stock
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.
The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company, located in Arlington, VA. The majority of MK 54 lightweight torpedo hardware will be purchased directly from US Navy stock.
The Poseidon
The P-8A Poseidon, the US Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of broad-area, maritime and littoral operations, and search and rescue.
Operating with a smaller crew, yet delivering an extended global reach, greater payload capacity, higher operating altitude, open-systems architecture and significant growth potential, the P-8A provides more combat capability.
With state-of-the-art technology, developed specifically for the Poseidon, such as synthetic aperture radar, an electro and optical infrared sensor turret, and increased acoustic capability, the aircraft conducts concurrent passive and active processing.
The Poseidon can conduct long-range anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR).
Equipped with state-of-the-art radars, sensors and a new air-to-air refuel capability, the P-8A is scheduled to receive periodic future enhancements to keep pace with the ASW threat.
The P-8A Poseidon is responsive and interoperable with traditional manned forces and evolving unmanned sensors.
Photo credit: U.S. Navy
