US Sells More AIM-120C AMRAAM Beyond Visual Range Missiles For Singapore

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The U.S. Department of State has approved the sale of 54 units of the latest AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles to Singapore, valued at $133 million (RM572 million).

These advanced Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles are expected to be used by Singapore’s future F-35B fighters, scheduled for delivery in 2026, and its existing F-15SG fighters.

Singapore currently employs the earlier AIM-120C-7 variant on its fighter aircraft.

The missile sale contract, developed by RTX (formerly Raytheon), is conducted under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.

In addition to the 54 AIM-120C-8 missiles, the contract includes guidance sections for these missiles, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on September 9.

The AIM-120C-8 is an export-specific version of the AIM-120D, featuring different software.

Both missile variants (AIM-120C-8 and AIM-120D) are developed under the Fit, Function Refresh (F3R) program, with the AIM-120C-8 having its first flight in September 2023, according to RTX Corp.

The AIM-120D AMRAAM is reported to have a range of up to 160 km and speeds of Mach 4.

“The proposed sale of these air-to-air missiles supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a strategic partner crucial for political stability and economic development in Asia,” stated the DSCA.

While the DSCA did not specify which aircraft would use the missiles, Singapore’s Air Force operates F-15SG fighters and has also ordered 12 F-35B VSTOL (Vertical Short Take-Off and Landing) fighters.

Currently, Singapore has 40 F-15SG fighters, which it began acquiring in phases from 2005. These are operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s 142nd and 149th Squadrons.

In 2019, Singapore announced an acquisition of four F-35 fighters, estimated at $2.75 billion (RM11 billion), according to a U.S. government statement.

In February 2023, Singapore announced an additional purchase of eight fifth-generation F-35B fighters from Lockheed Martin, bringing the total number of fifth-generation fighters for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to 12.

The first four fifth-generation fighters are expected to be delivered to Singapore in 2026, with the remainder anticipated by the end of the decade.

“Singapore’s Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces have determined that the F-35 is the best option to meet Singapore’s current and future defense needs,” said Singapore’s Defense Minister, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, as reported in Parliament.

The Singapore Air Force currently operates 62 F-16C/D Block 52 fighters, with 14 stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona, USA, and the remaining 48 based domestically.

The placement of some aircraft in the U.S. is for training purposes.

The United States supplied Singapore with 62 F-16 fighters between 1998 and 2003. — DSA