MCN International / Eurofighter.com, Singapore has short-listed three aircraft makers to bid for the supply of fighter aircraft to the Republic's air force.
The three are France's Dassault Aviation, US firm Boeing and a European consortium, Eurofighter.
Rivals US-based Lockheed and Russia's Sukhoi have not made it to the list.
Dassault is offering its Rafale fighter and Eurofighter is offering its Typhoon jet.
Boeing's contenders are the F-15 and F-18 fighter jets.
Singapore is expected to order about 20 warplanes to replace its ageing Skyhawks.
The deal is expected to exceed US$1 billion.
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Eurofighter Typhoon downselect in Singapore
Hallbergmoos, Germany, Eurofighter GmbH is pleased to announce notification of a decision by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) in Singapore to downselect Typhoon for the final stage of the country's Next Fighter Replacement (NFR) competition.
Commenting on the downselect announcement, Filippo Bagnato, Chief Executive Officer Eurofighter GmbH stated; 'I believe the decision by Singapore is a clear recognition of the power behind the Eurofighter partnership. We are fully committed with our partners to demonstrating the technical and performance capabilities of the Weapon System. This is combined with a clear route for technology transfer that will seek to enhance core indigenous capabilities in Singapore. Alongside this effort we will also work to further develop a powerful industrial partnership between Singapore's high technology industry and Europe's leading defence and aerospace companies – Alenia Aeronautica, BAE SYSTEMS and EADS.'
This initial success in Singapore is a further indication of the growing credibility and maturity of the Eurofighter programme as a new generation fighter. Following Type Acceptance of the Weapon System by the four nation customers in Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, covering a programme for 620 aircraft plus an option for a further 90 aircraft, Eurofighter has also been selected by Austria to meet their requirements for a new generation fighter.
Eurofighter Typhoon is unique in representing core operational and industrial capabilities of the European defence and aerospace industry. A major factor in extending this capability and industrial potential is an understanding of the principle of a credible partnership that incorporates Government, Air Force and industrial participation in the programme. The Eurofighter Partner Companies and EUROJET are committed to extending the technical and industrial potential of the programme through high quality/high performance technology transfer with potential export customers.
