Singapore - Warplanes Flown In For Flight Tests (25 Feb 2004)

Warplanes like Boeing F-15 Strike Eagle and the Dassault Rafale can be seen in the Asian Aerospace Airshow this week. However, these two warplanes are also potential candidates to replace Singapore's ageing A-4 Super Skyhawks and will remain for flight tests. The deal is estimated to be worth $2-billion.

The third candidate, the Eurofighter Typhoon is still being evaluated by air forces in Britain, Germany, Italy and Spain and could not make it to the airshow. It will be unveiled in Singapore around June.

The upcoming flight tests are designed to prove that the warplanes function well in Singapore's weather.

20 new fighters will be bought in two batches once a decision is made next year. Eight and twelve aircraft will be acquired first with the remainder acquired over the subsequent five years.