In my opinion, they will not buy but they have reviewed the jet and kept progress on the development of Tejas. Singapore has always been a pro-Western when making military purchase. It looks toward having the best in the region. Its position is “Having a Deterrent”
Tejas does not fit into Singapore’s military strategy. Singapore prefers to buy the very latest it can afford and the very best at what the US is flying. It is also working closely with Israel on weapons purchase. Israel has one of the best defense industry. They are known for innovating first in the world defense technologies and is a role example for Singapore to emulate. Both are considered small nations surrounded by large nations. The US regards Singapore as a very close ally and has been given the opportunity to buy the advance F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter. They have the money and the ability to maintain such a machine.
The Tejas is a fine jet fighter. Singapore defense strategy is more aligned towards integrated with the United States military.
Singapore has the monetary means to buy up to 24 of the F-35 stealth fighter. Initial indications is the country is looking to tread a careful path in assessing the capabilities of the F-35 before making a large purchase. An initial order of 4 is offered on the table to Lockheed Martin and it now awaits congress approval.
The F-15SG is the Republic of Singapore Air Force premier multirole fighter.
Singapore has the most modern air force in South East Asia with great planning and strategy in place. It also boast the highest defence spending in the region.
The F-16 is numerically the most important jet fighter in RSAF with over 50 jets in service.
When I was in Singapore, met up with their senior air force pilots, they have indicated that the government take the views of pilots very seriously. They tend to evaluate jet fighters with heavy testing to make sure what they buy could last few decades and be equipped with the very best weapons systems. Singapore will never opt for the 2nd best. Their preference is to follow what fighters is operated by the United States
Summary. Tejas has a bigger market potential. It boils down selection process a country will go through. With the right combination of price, technology, capability and most importantly, support is critical to selling a successful jet. More importantly, Tejas will help India to save on its hard earn currency, create jobs, drive aerospace industry development and replacing obsolete jet fighters.
Source: RSAF, HAL, Air Force Monthly, Author
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