The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to the Government of Singapore for maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft P-8A, MK 54 lightweight torpedoes, and associated equipment, with an estimated cost of $2.316 billion.
Under the agreement, Singapore may acquire up to four P-8A aircraft, seven Guardian laser transmitter assemblies, seven system processors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N system with selective anti-spoofing modules, and eight MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes.
Additional non-major defense equipment will include tactical mission software, MX-20HD electro-optical/infrared systems, AN/APY-10 radars with GPS, and ALQ-213 electronic warfare management systems.
The country also wants to acquire AN/ALE-47 countermeasure dispensers, KIV-78 cryptographic appliques, torpedo support equipment, training devices, classified and unclassified publications and software, and other logistics and program support elements.
The principal contractor for the sale will be Boeing Company, while most MK 54 torpedo hardware will be sourced directly from US Navy stock.
Various US Navy contractors will provide additional components, systems, and engineering services.
According to the DSCA, the sale will enhance US foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening a strategic partner in Asia. The P-8A and MK 54 torpedoes are expected to bolster Singapore’s maritime surveillance and strike capabilities.
Implementation of the program will require up to fourteen US Government and contractor representatives to deploy to Singapore over a period of up to two years to support aircraft fielding, maintenance, mission systems, training, and technical assistance.
The DSCA noted that the proposed sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region, and Singapore is expected to have no difficulty integrating the systems into its armed forces.