Singapore gets US approval for sale of air-to-ground munition kits

 

A JDAM being loaded to a RSAF F-15SG Strike Eagle fighter. Photo c/o AIN Online.

The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of assorted air-to-ground munition kits for Singapore, according to a press release made by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA on 09 February 2023.

The estimate cost of the package is around $US55 million, and the DSCA has notified the potential sale to the US Congress.

Among those eyed for sale to Singapore include 100 KMU-556 tail kits for the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GBU-31, 900 KMU-572 tail kits for JDAM GBU-38, and Laser JDAM GBU-54, 250 MAU-169 Computer Control Group for 500lb Paveway II GBU-12, and 250 MXU-650 Air Foil Group for 500lb Paveway II GBU-12.

Also included are DSU-38 laser guidance sets, Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE), spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return support, aircraft and munitions support and support equipment, personnel training, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistical support services, studies and surveys, and other related logistical and program support.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile and Defense based in Tucson, Arizona, and the US Government determines that this sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The sale is expected to be for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) which is the only service branch in the Singapore Armed Forces that has capabilities to drop the JDAM and Paveway II precision guided bombs using its F-15SG Strike Eagle and F-16C/D Fighting Falcon fighter fleet.

Being a notice of potential sale only, it remains to be seen if the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will pursue this deal.




[1] Defense Security Cooperation Agency