Commentary: Was Singapore’s announcement to buy a small number of F-35s too slow, too tentative?
Buying a small number allows the Republic of Singapore Air Force to understand how best to integrate the Joint Strike Fighter's game-changing capabilities into its existing doctrine and systems, says Mike Yeo.
(Updated: )
Ricky Lim
MINDEF is cognisant of some of the trade-offs designers have had to make for the F-35B in exchange for its STOVL capability, which enables an F-35B loaded with weapons and fuel to take off from a runway as short as 183m according to its official design requirements.
These trade-offs include reduced manoeuvrability, range and weapons capability, due to the weight and space occupied by the lift fan located behind the pilot, which provides a significant amount of the downward thrust that allows the F-35B to take off from short runways and land vertically.
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Ricky Lim
Posted on :- 20 Oct 2018 06:23AM (Updated: 20 Oct 2018 01:16PM)
Ricky Lim
(1) I agree by replacing F16 with F35 will be indeed a big step forward in Air Superiority and indeed a "game-changer" - in terms of :-
(a) sensor superiority - and aggregate information
(b) One aggregate and consolidated, unambiguous battle scenario context - presented to pilot where pilots do not need to make decision on the battle situation as the battle situation is unambiguously presented to him. Pilot only need to decide on the execution and determine when to press the button to release his weapon to deliver the kill.
(c) Stealth capability that can go in and out - that will give surprises undetected.
The decision is whether to procure :-
(1) F35A --- which is predominantly procure by many Countries - that have :-
(a) Longer range - 2,200km
(b) more weapon arsenal
(c) more experience and track record gather from many forces flying it - and the planes will be more refined through improvement and more robust
or we are buying :-
(2) F35B - where we do not need a conventional airfield - where we can land anywhere like a helicopter (in case airfield is destroyed).
But we have to live with :-
(a) shorter range of only 1600 km
(b) lesser weapon arsenal - as main lift, auxillary lift, nozzle - for vertical lift and air ducts for plane stability take up the spaces.
(c) as lesser airforces buying the F35B variants --- Singapore is taking a bit of risk in terms of the robustness of this variants -- as more airforce buy the planes, more experience, more issues or teething problems can be ironed out. But if less airforce buy this variant, Singapore may take the hit as we will have to face more issues or more teething problems that may surface as we fly the planes.
Thinking aloud, will Mindef and RSAF consider :-
(1) 50% F35A &
(2) 50% F35B ?
I know that if buy all F35A or all F35B --- will be more cost effective as having 2 variants is like having 2 different brand of planes to maintain and manage and require different logistics and maintaneance tools - which will mean more costs.
But isn't it the same like we buy F16s, but we also buy F15s - to satisfy different operational needs.
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These trade-offs include reduced manoeuvrability, range and weapons capability, due to the weight and space occupied by the lift fan located behind the pilot, which provides a significant amount of the downward thrust that allows the F-35B to take off from short runways and land vertically.
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Ricky Lim
Posted on :- 20 Oct 2018 06:23AM (Updated: 20 Oct 2018 01:16PM)
Ricky Lim
(1) I agree by replacing F16 with F35 will be indeed a big step forward in Air Superiority and indeed a "game-changer" - in terms of :-
(a) sensor superiority - and aggregate information
(b) One aggregate and consolidated, unambiguous battle scenario context - presented to pilot where pilots do not need to make decision on the battle situation as the battle situation is unambiguously presented to him. Pilot only need to decide on the execution and determine when to press the button to release his weapon to deliver the kill.
(c) Stealth capability that can go in and out - that will give surprises undetected.
The decision is whether to procure :-
(1) F35A --- which is predominantly procure by many Countries - that have :-
(a) Longer range - 2,200km
(b) more weapon arsenal
(c) more experience and track record gather from many forces flying it - and the planes will be more refined through improvement and more robust
or we are buying :-
(2) F35B - where we do not need a conventional airfield - where we can land anywhere like a helicopter (in case airfield is destroyed).
But we have to live with :-
(a) shorter range of only 1600 km
(b) lesser weapon arsenal - as main lift, auxillary lift, nozzle - for vertical lift and air ducts for plane stability take up the spaces.
(c) as lesser airforces buying the F35B variants --- Singapore is taking a bit of risk in terms of the robustness of this variants -- as more airforce buy the planes, more experience, more issues or teething problems can be ironed out. But if less airforce buy this variant, Singapore may take the hit as we will have to face more issues or more teething problems that may surface as we fly the planes.
Thinking aloud, will Mindef and RSAF consider :-
(1) 50% F35A &
(2) 50% F35B ?
I know that if buy all F35A or all F35B --- will be more cost effective as having 2 variants is like having 2 different brand of planes to maintain and manage and require different logistics and maintaneance tools - which will mean more costs.
But isn't it the same like we buy F16s, but we also buy F15s - to satisfy different operational needs.
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Ricky Lim
F35s will create alot of new capabilities mention above.
Of course there are some critics about F35s shortcomings - which maybe a myth or other considerations that will have overcome the shortcomings :-
(1) Singapore has small airspace - and need to dogfight.
The short answer is - lack of airspace - create airspace.
Sky is the limit - if we are constraint by our own limit - then we deserved to be thrashed.
If we fight only with our small land area - then no need to fight - stupid right?
Eg. our adversary say we are a small nation - small domestic market, must rely on them as hinterland - we will stop to survive.
But Singapore now make the whole World as our trade, business and investment market and we make the World as our hinterland.
Wise people make our limitation to great opportunity and great strength.
Unwise people lament over our limitation.
Of course there are some critics about F35s shortcomings - which maybe a myth or other considerations that will have overcome the shortcomings :-
(1) Singapore has small airspace - and need to dogfight.
The short answer is - lack of airspace - create airspace.
Sky is the limit - if we are constraint by our own limit - then we deserved to be thrashed.
If we fight only with our small land area - then no need to fight - stupid right?
Eg. our adversary say we are a small nation - small domestic market, must rely on them as hinterland - we will stop to survive.
But Singapore now make the whole World as our trade, business and investment market and we make the World as our hinterland.
Wise people make our limitation to great opportunity and great strength.
Unwise people lament over our limitation.
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Ricky Lim
The myth that F35s cannot dogfight.
The truth is :-
(1) The kill for dogfight for F35s is 20 :1 - where 1 F35 perform a kill on the conventional 20 4G capable fighters.
This is carried out in transnational war games exercise that comprise of many Nations.
F35s 360 degree vision helmets with perfect vision perform many kills before 4G fighters can act. Any F35s stealth cannot be locked by 4G radar for missiles to fire on - 4G have to use their automatic weapons to fire on it and need to fly behind an F35 to fire on it - which is too late.
(2) If one F35 fly by Israel is shot down by air defense missile - the photos will have been circulated by now.
The truth is F15 and F16s fly by Israel airforce have to skirt air defense and decoy air defense to perform their mission.
The F35s flew straight in to perform their mission undetected.
In addition, F35s can collect many information with its advanced sensors and distributed links - that can't be done by 4G fighters - that tremendously boost the Armed forces capabilities - by activating its surface missiles unit, naval units, arty units to fire on the enemy target even when F35s has run out of missiles to complete its mission.
Noting that the current F35s have still many software flaw and has not reach its full capacity - despite the flaws it can still perform many of the functions that cannot be done by 4G fighters.
(3) F35s don't operate alone, we still have F15SGs as another of our backbone 4G fighters that perform another primary role ---- when F35s could have destroyed all potential air threat like :-
- enemy air fighters
- enemy radar
- enemy air defense
- enemy naval ship-to-air missiles
F15s will not need to used electronic counter measures to jam their radar to perform the kill or if not able to jam - need to skirt or decoy.
F35s can do all the above undetected by radar, unable to be lock by missile etc - and can do a clean job.
When all air threat are removed, F15s can perform air support role - like bombing arty unit, multi-barrel missile unit, armor units, troop concentration, sink ship intrusion etc.
The truth is :-
(1) The kill for dogfight for F35s is 20 :1 - where 1 F35 perform a kill on the conventional 20 4G capable fighters.
This is carried out in transnational war games exercise that comprise of many Nations.
F35s 360 degree vision helmets with perfect vision perform many kills before 4G fighters can act. Any F35s stealth cannot be locked by 4G radar for missiles to fire on - 4G have to use their automatic weapons to fire on it and need to fly behind an F35 to fire on it - which is too late.
(2) If one F35 fly by Israel is shot down by air defense missile - the photos will have been circulated by now.
The truth is F15 and F16s fly by Israel airforce have to skirt air defense and decoy air defense to perform their mission.
The F35s flew straight in to perform their mission undetected.
In addition, F35s can collect many information with its advanced sensors and distributed links - that can't be done by 4G fighters - that tremendously boost the Armed forces capabilities - by activating its surface missiles unit, naval units, arty units to fire on the enemy target even when F35s has run out of missiles to complete its mission.
Noting that the current F35s have still many software flaw and has not reach its full capacity - despite the flaws it can still perform many of the functions that cannot be done by 4G fighters.
(3) F35s don't operate alone, we still have F15SGs as another of our backbone 4G fighters that perform another primary role ---- when F35s could have destroyed all potential air threat like :-
- enemy air fighters
- enemy radar
- enemy air defense
- enemy naval ship-to-air missiles
F15s will not need to used electronic counter measures to jam their radar to perform the kill or if not able to jam - need to skirt or decoy.
F35s can do all the above undetected by radar, unable to be lock by missile etc - and can do a clean job.
When all air threat are removed, F15s can perform air support role - like bombing arty unit, multi-barrel missile unit, armor units, troop concentration, sink ship intrusion etc.
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Ricky Lim
F35s (aggregated information gathering and dissemination) - achieve the objectives that our SAF set out to achieve in our 3G Army hope to achieve :-
If one unit fire, the whole SAF firepower will fire on its intended target.
- F35 gather real time information on enemy objectives - and can direct other military assets firepower like naval unit, arty unit, missile unit, armor unit --- to all fire on the hostile target and overwhelming destroy it.
Currently, we have to rely on combination of other military assets to achieve this - eg. drone, satellite, avonics spy planes, infiltration etc.
It is truly a "game changer" for us.
If one unit fire, the whole SAF firepower will fire on its intended target.
- F35 gather real time information on enemy objectives - and can direct other military assets firepower like naval unit, arty unit, missile unit, armor unit --- to all fire on the hostile target and overwhelming destroy it.
Currently, we have to rely on combination of other military assets to achieve this - eg. drone, satellite, avonics spy planes, infiltration etc.
It is truly a "game changer" for us.
Ben Tao
Rottern USA planes sold to Singapore just to enrich USA defence contractor. Sin to buy this plane costing more than a $100 million per piece. Good money thrown into the drain.
Ricky Lim
If Malaysia has stronger army - you think the old evil man will have already invaded us?
Read this :-
Mahathir said that Singapore “may be small”, but it was more powerful than Malaysia. He said that he did not see war as “a means to settle conflicts”.
He said that he’d rather sit down to negotiate, even though there may be no result, than go to war.
Because that evil, cunning old man know that --- if he provoke us beyond our tolerance limit - there will be no standing building or infrastructure left for them.
We can flatten everything out there.
Read this :-
Mahathir said that Singapore “may be small”, but it was more powerful than Malaysia. He said that he did not see war as “a means to settle conflicts”.
He said that he’d rather sit down to negotiate, even though there may be no result, than go to war.
Because that evil, cunning old man know that --- if he provoke us beyond our tolerance limit - there will be no standing building or infrastructure left for them.
We can flatten everything out there.
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KT Tan
I switched off after reading the initial sentences.
How should military intelligence like purchasing the actual number of defense items be divulged in the first place?
It should not even be mentioned to prevent "intruders" from preparing counter-defense strategies.
How should military intelligence like purchasing the actual number of defense items be divulged in the first place?
It should not even be mentioned to prevent "intruders" from preparing counter-defense strategies.
Ricky Lim
(1) The number of units is not published.
(2) Buying of F35s will somehow leaked out even if kept secret.
(3) Publishing the purchase of F35s have the following advantages :-
- we are now negotiating with our antagoniser.
A strong defense is our big and strong bargaining chips.
It send a signal that we mean business - don't try provocation or unlawful intrusion against International Law. We can hammer them.
If they want to make unreasonable demand --- they always bear in mind don't play play with us ---- if they exceed our tolerance limit --- we can or may really go out to hammer them.
(4) Our adversary is facing finanical and economic difficulties - where got money to buy counter measures.
(5) Building a strong defense is not about buying hardware.
It is about ability to operate, maintain, train on it, and become expert of it.
Strong engineeing capabilities, people possess the knowledge, skillsets to operate complex sophisticated gadgets.
Able to perform mission critical operations - and demonstrated by operating alongside top notch airforces.
Most important, it must achieve cutting edge military capabilities - that can fight and win a decisive war ---- not for show - but deliver result.
We have train and operate alongside many top notch airforces - eg US, France, Australia, India, New Zealand, France etc.
We also perform air, navy and army exercise with China although in small scale.
Also military defense must be part of overall "Total Defense".
F35s achieve all of it.
(5) If we don't publish our intention to buy F35s - how to send the message to our antagoniser that we are serious to buy deterrent to hammer them - if they provoke us with unlawful intrusion or worst invade us?
(2) Buying of F35s will somehow leaked out even if kept secret.
(3) Publishing the purchase of F35s have the following advantages :-
- we are now negotiating with our antagoniser.
A strong defense is our big and strong bargaining chips.
It send a signal that we mean business - don't try provocation or unlawful intrusion against International Law. We can hammer them.
If they want to make unreasonable demand --- they always bear in mind don't play play with us ---- if they exceed our tolerance limit --- we can or may really go out to hammer them.
(4) Our adversary is facing finanical and economic difficulties - where got money to buy counter measures.
(5) Building a strong defense is not about buying hardware.
It is about ability to operate, maintain, train on it, and become expert of it.
Strong engineeing capabilities, people possess the knowledge, skillsets to operate complex sophisticated gadgets.
Able to perform mission critical operations - and demonstrated by operating alongside top notch airforces.
Most important, it must achieve cutting edge military capabilities - that can fight and win a decisive war ---- not for show - but deliver result.
We have train and operate alongside many top notch airforces - eg US, France, Australia, India, New Zealand, France etc.
We also perform air, navy and army exercise with China although in small scale.
Also military defense must be part of overall "Total Defense".
F35s achieve all of it.
(5) If we don't publish our intention to buy F35s - how to send the message to our antagoniser that we are serious to buy deterrent to hammer them - if they provoke us with unlawful intrusion or worst invade us?
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Ricky Lim
Our antagoniser still have 8 F/A18Ds and 4 operating SU-30s and some Hawk light attack aircraft.
Does it means that they don't have fighting capability?
The 3 platform cannot seamless integrate as one fighting unit - they fight on their own.
Do they have the training cap to fight effectively?
In terms of number - they are grossly out number.
Do they have the engineering cap to maintain the planes as combat readiness?
They have air defense Rapier missile unit (about 8.2 km effective range) plus other short range missile.
All these will need to come into our calculation.
Does it means that they don't have fighting capability?
The 3 platform cannot seamless integrate as one fighting unit - they fight on their own.
Do they have the training cap to fight effectively?
In terms of number - they are grossly out number.
Do they have the engineering cap to maintain the planes as combat readiness?
They have air defense Rapier missile unit (about 8.2 km effective range) plus other short range missile.
All these will need to come into our calculation.
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Ricky Lim
KT Tan - Not the full status, but some status.
They are considering buying SU35, super hornet or typhoon btw - and they make it public.
But I don't think we will lose sleep even if they bought them.
Anyway, there are many gadgets we have that are not revealed.
This is part of information warfare.
Defense is not only about miitary defense - it is "Total Defense".
They are considering buying SU35, super hornet or typhoon btw - and they make it public.
But I don't think we will lose sleep even if they bought them.
Anyway, there are many gadgets we have that are not revealed.
This is part of information warfare.
Defense is not only about miitary defense - it is "Total Defense".
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Red Rum
Hmm. ....The whole decades of military spending in the billions of dollars is a serious Joke. We could seriously utilised the money to enforced a certain level of Patriotism within our citizen and population. We need an invisible dark force to deter our "peacetime" enemies and convey the message that our might don't lies on hardware but on strong patriotic mindset.
KS Lim
To cut the story short, Mindef is still in doubt of F35. Just like the version of win 7 to win 8 and finally win 10 version, you have to take their so call upgraded version with lots of nice features and also nice expensive price. If not, they will stop the support like win 7 or in future you need to get the support from other country like India as they are pushing the F16 production line to India. I think they are waiting for other countries like Australia, Canada and others to test out the F35. There is no great hurry to get the whole fleet of F35s, let others be their guinea pig, current F16s is more than good enough to serve a small nation like Singapore.
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Raymond Chan
Our new CDC hospital costs $95 million. One plane can buy a new hospital. Just buy five will do, only for show off.
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Ricky Lim
KT Tan - After analysing in its totality - the "reveal" serve a strategic gain in our position.
Without revealing - it will compromise our current security, and our position.
Anyway, if F35 start flying in our sky - you think people don't know?
Also if we know some thieves want to come into our house to rob our belongings - we say our houses got fierce dogs and we are armed with guns ---- the thieves will be frightened and not rob us.
If we keep quiet, the thieves armed with knives come in --- by that time even if we have dogs and guns --- it will mean a brawl followed by gun shots --- and someone will be killed --- which can be avoided if warning is given before hand.
Without revealing - it will compromise our current security, and our position.
Anyway, if F35 start flying in our sky - you think people don't know?
Also if we know some thieves want to come into our house to rob our belongings - we say our houses got fierce dogs and we are armed with guns ---- the thieves will be frightened and not rob us.
If we keep quiet, the thieves armed with knives come in --- by that time even if we have dogs and guns --- it will mean a brawl followed by gun shots --- and someone will be killed --- which can be avoided if warning is given before hand.
Kelvin Leow
Singapore fully armed defence strictly as deterrent and to ensure to keep peace in our region
Like · Reply · 7 · 6h
Danny Drinkwater
I mean what's the point of having super powerful weapon when we can't even defend our maritime and have to sit down with neighbouring countries to negotiate and still they are having their vessels in SG waters.
It's like China having one aircraft carrier for show which no countries, not even Japan felt being threaten. For self-defense, F-15 n F-16 is good enough for SG.
It's like China having one aircraft carrier for show which no countries, not even Japan felt being threaten. For self-defense, F-15 n F-16 is good enough for SG.
Ricky Lim
Kofman notes that advanced Russian-built air defenses like the S-300, S-400 and forthcoming S-500 family come with systems designed to detect and track the presence of low observable (LO) aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35. That’s just a function of physics, as I have noted before . The problem for Moscow is that while Russian early warning and acquisitions radars operating in the VHF, UHF, L and S bands can detect and even track a tactical fighter-sized stealth aircraft, those systems don’t deliver a weapons quality track.
Russia has tried a number of different techniques to defeat stealth technology. Among those is trying to develop a tight integrated air defense network with multiple radars trying to look at the same aircraft from different directions—but how effective those efforts have been is an open question. “It's great being able to see an aircraft, or parts of it, but getting accuracy such that you can confidently get a missile near the target is the primary challenge,”
Russia has tried a number of different techniques to defeat stealth technology. Among those is trying to develop a tight integrated air defense network with multiple radars trying to look at the same aircraft from different directions—but how effective those efforts have been is an open question. “It's great being able to see an aircraft, or parts of it, but getting accuracy such that you can confidently get a missile near the target is the primary challenge,”
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Ricky Lim
In Syria, 3-tiers integrated air defense A2/AD using Pantsir-S1 or Buk-M2E, the S-400, S-300 and S-200, and ageing SA-2 and SA-5 were used against Israel airforce lofted different types of fighter-bombers, including the new F-35 stealth plane and a number of F-16 and F-15 jets.
After an Syrian SA-5 battery east of Damascus shot missiles at those planes and missed, Israel conducted a separate air raid to destroy the battery.
------ Russian-made air-defense missiles miss Israel Air Force raiders.
So wonder how did you come to the conclusion that SAM missiles can down F35 stealth?
After an Syrian SA-5 battery east of Damascus shot missiles at those planes and missed, Israel conducted a separate air raid to destroy the battery.
------ Russian-made air-defense missiles miss Israel Air Force raiders.
So wonder how did you come to the conclusion that SAM missiles can down F35 stealth?
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Ricky Lim
All the information come from the current combat zone in Syria and Lebanon.
Interesting that people can spread news based on half truth, rumors, fake news, imagination.
Wonder will USAF and so many airforces all over the World - will buy such an expensive planes if it did not prove its usefulness against their current 4G fighters.
Are we saying that all these Countries place their securities and fighting capabilities on something unproven? Don't make sense at all.
In fact, USAF is going to make F35A,B,C - their mainstay multi-role fighter planes.
They are using F15 and F16 as cheaper fighters to make up the numbers while they do full production in all the 3 variants of F35A,B,C --- while retiring A10.
Eventually USAF want to retire F16 follow by F15.
F22 there are no more production.
Will USAF do such a foolish thing if they don't trust F35s?
Interesting that people can spread news based on half truth, rumors, fake news, imagination.
Wonder will USAF and so many airforces all over the World - will buy such an expensive planes if it did not prove its usefulness against their current 4G fighters.
Are we saying that all these Countries place their securities and fighting capabilities on something unproven? Don't make sense at all.
In fact, USAF is going to make F35A,B,C - their mainstay multi-role fighter planes.
They are using F15 and F16 as cheaper fighters to make up the numbers while they do full production in all the 3 variants of F35A,B,C --- while retiring A10.
Eventually USAF want to retire F16 follow by F15.
F22 there are no more production.
Will USAF do such a foolish thing if they don't trust F35s?
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Ricky Lim
Assessment by USAF General and airforce pilots -
US Air Force chief ambivalent on F-15 Eagle retirement
By: Valerie Insinna April 12, 2017
385
WASHINGTON — The Air Force's top general :-
At an earlier event, Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark Nowland, the deputy chief of staff for operations who is also a former F-15C/D pilot, said the F-16 could probably fill that homeland defense role if it gets the right upgrades, such as an active electronically scanned aperture (AESA) radar. But ultimately, neither the F-16 nor F-15 will be viable in future high-threat environments overseas, and both will rely on fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22 to clear out advanced weapon systems.
"The question of an F-15 and an F-16 in a European scenario on its own, neither one is going to do it. They both are going to get shot down and die," he said. "But a combination with a concept of operation that puts together electronic combat, that puts together fifth-generation [fighters], fourth-generation [fighters], timing, tempo, long-range munitions, standoff munitions ... it’s going to make it better."
US Air Force chief ambivalent on F-15 Eagle retirement
By: Valerie Insinna April 12, 2017
385
WASHINGTON — The Air Force's top general :-
At an earlier event, Air Force Lt. Gen. Mark Nowland, the deputy chief of staff for operations who is also a former F-15C/D pilot, said the F-16 could probably fill that homeland defense role if it gets the right upgrades, such as an active electronically scanned aperture (AESA) radar. But ultimately, neither the F-16 nor F-15 will be viable in future high-threat environments overseas, and both will rely on fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22 to clear out advanced weapon systems.
"The question of an F-15 and an F-16 in a European scenario on its own, neither one is going to do it. They both are going to get shot down and die," he said. "But a combination with a concept of operation that puts together electronic combat, that puts together fifth-generation [fighters], fourth-generation [fighters], timing, tempo, long-range munitions, standoff munitions ... it’s going to make it better."
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Ricky Lim
Israel just showed that the F-35 can fight. So what’s next?
By: Valerie Insinna May 24, 2018
Israel’s first-ever use of the F-35 during airstrikes over the Middle East may help the jet fight off persistent criticisms that it’s a boondoggle that can’t hack it in combat.
Israel Air Force head Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin announced on Tuesday during an IAF conference that the aircraft had already participated in two airstrikes over the Middle East, making Israel the first country to operate an F-35 in combat.
“The Adir planes are already operational and flying in operational missions. We are the first in the world to use the F-35 in operational activity,” he said, according to a tweet by the Israel Defense Forces’ official Twitter account.
IAF’s use of the F-35 in combat “the best endorsement the F-35 can get” and said it would be particularly useful going forward in Syria.
“The Syria conflict calls for careful targeting and maximum survivability, the F-35’s two strongest attributes. It has its limits, but in this contingency it should excel,” he said. “It certainly provides other users and potential customers with a high level of confidence that the aircraft and its systems work in real world conditions.”
By: Valerie Insinna May 24, 2018
Israel’s first-ever use of the F-35 during airstrikes over the Middle East may help the jet fight off persistent criticisms that it’s a boondoggle that can’t hack it in combat.
Israel Air Force head Maj. Gen. Amikam Norkin announced on Tuesday during an IAF conference that the aircraft had already participated in two airstrikes over the Middle East, making Israel the first country to operate an F-35 in combat.
“The Adir planes are already operational and flying in operational missions. We are the first in the world to use the F-35 in operational activity,” he said, according to a tweet by the Israel Defense Forces’ official Twitter account.
IAF’s use of the F-35 in combat “the best endorsement the F-35 can get” and said it would be particularly useful going forward in Syria.
“The Syria conflict calls for careful targeting and maximum survivability, the F-35’s two strongest attributes. It has its limits, but in this contingency it should excel,” he said. “It certainly provides other users and potential customers with a high level of confidence that the aircraft and its systems work in real world conditions.”
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Ricky Lim
Over time, Israel will likely acquire additional F-35s, as it intends for the type to replace its fleet of over 320 F-16s, starting with the now very old F-16A Netz aircraft first acquired in 1980s.
Reportedly, Israel is even interested in possibly acquiring F-35B jump jets down the line. One usually thinks of F-35Bs as serving from smaller aircraft carriers or island bases, but Israel sees role for jump jets by dispersing them to remote improvised airstrips to avoid enemy air-base attacks. This still seems a somewhat extravagant solution to the threat, given that the F-35B is more expensive and has inferior performance to the F-35A for most other purposes. This may explain why an F-35B purchase is allegedly more popular with Israeli politicians than the Israeli Air Force.
Israel has also been a proponent of a two-seat variant of the F-35, which would be convenient for training purposes, and also allow a back-seat Weapon System Officer to manage the F-35s precision-guided weapons while the pilot focuses on flying.
Reportedly, Israel is even interested in possibly acquiring F-35B jump jets down the line. One usually thinks of F-35Bs as serving from smaller aircraft carriers or island bases, but Israel sees role for jump jets by dispersing them to remote improvised airstrips to avoid enemy air-base attacks. This still seems a somewhat extravagant solution to the threat, given that the F-35B is more expensive and has inferior performance to the F-35A for most other purposes. This may explain why an F-35B purchase is allegedly more popular with Israeli politicians than the Israeli Air Force.
Israel has also been a proponent of a two-seat variant of the F-35, which would be convenient for training purposes, and also allow a back-seat Weapon System Officer to manage the F-35s precision-guided weapons while the pilot focuses on flying.
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Ricky Lim
Thus the criticism on the procurement of F35s demonstrate one thing :-
Ricky Lim
孙子兵法 ------ 三“不知” 的败笔 ：-
第一个“不知”，不知道军队不可以进，你逼他进。不知道军队不可以退，你逼他退。
第二个“不知”，是不懂得军队事务，却要参与军队管理。
第三个“不知”，是不懂得军队的权变，却要参与军队的任命。不得其人，就会满盘皆输。
Like · Reply · 1m
The Suntze Art of War - "3 don't know" that cause military failures :-
(1) 1st don't know -- don't know the army cannot proceed - you force it to proceed.
don't know the army cannot retreat - you force it to retreat.
(2) 2nd don't know -- don't know how to plan, manage, run army affairs - but want to interfere in army affairs.
(3) 3rd don't know -- don't know how best to execute and achieve army missions - but want to interfere in the appointment of army generals, buying of military assets, training of army troops etc
--- all these 3 "don't know" ---- will lead to fatal military failures.
Thus 厉害就好 - 不要假厉害。
Ricky Lim
孙子兵法 ------ 三“不知” 的败笔 ：-
第一个“不知”，不知道军队不可以进，你逼他进。不知道军队不可以退，你逼他退。
第二个“不知”，是不懂得军队事务，却要参与军队管理。
第三个“不知”，是不懂得军队的权变，却要参与军队的任命。不得其人，就会满盘皆输。
Like · Reply · 1m
The Suntze Art of War - "3 don't know" that cause military failures :-
(1) 1st don't know -- don't know the army cannot proceed - you force it to proceed.
don't know the army cannot retreat - you force it to retreat.
(2) 2nd don't know -- don't know how to plan, manage, run army affairs - but want to interfere in army affairs.
(3) 3rd don't know -- don't know how best to execute and achieve army missions - but want to interfere in the appointment of army generals, buying of military assets, training of army troops etc
--- all these 3 "don't know" ---- will lead to fatal military failures.
Thus 厉害就好 - 不要假厉害。
Mark Tan
Danny Drinkwater War is always the last resort. And in a war with neighboring Malaysia, there are no winners. Both sides will have too much to lose. These aircrafts are to show combat superiority only. And i defence, always be updated in what's the latest and most superior available.
Like · Reply · 39m
Alvin Leong
Here is another one as reported by the RAF, fly one time needs a new paint job:
"The single-engine jet was given a coating which makes it 'invisible' to enemy radar, but it is wearing off quicker than expected, with RAF chiefs saying they have to replace it after every flight. "
"The single-engine jet was given a coating which makes it 'invisible' to enemy radar, but it is wearing off quicker than expected, with RAF chiefs saying they have to replace it after every flight. "
Ricky Lim
The F-22's surfaces are made of aluminum, which is covered in a RAM (radar-absorbent material) that must constantly be reapplied. That's a nightmare for maintenance crews.
Tthe F-35 is made of carbon fiber composite, and Lockheed engineers baked RAM into the airplane's edges in an effort to soak up inbound radar.
Tthe F-35 is made of carbon fiber composite, and Lockheed engineers baked RAM into the airplane's edges in an effort to soak up inbound radar.
Wan Wan
The announcement to purchase and DISPLAY a few of these expensive toys is just to scare potential enemies. Anyway, those toys will only be operational in the 2030s.
Jm Chow
Wan Wan..
"Scare potential enemies ! "
We are the one who should be SCARED...buying a jet fighter which cannot win dog fights.
The F-35 first flew on 15 Dec 2006. It was plagued by technical and design problems...until now.
Todate, 355 have been delivered...however, the F-35 cannot be used in combat because it is not ready for air war with the enemy. (Looks like ...it will never be)
Because of this, until NOW, US AirForce has not sent the F-35 into war zones...The F-35 has not been used.... to fight Russia jet when Moscow stole Crimea..., has NOT been deployed into Syria to stop Russi…See More
"Scare potential enemies ! "
We are the one who should be SCARED...buying a jet fighter which cannot win dog fights.
The F-35 first flew on 15 Dec 2006. It was plagued by technical and design problems...until now.
Todate, 355 have been delivered...however, the F-35 cannot be used in combat because it is not ready for air war with the enemy. (Looks like ...it will never be)
Because of this, until NOW, US AirForce has not sent the F-35 into war zones...The F-35 has not been used.... to fight Russia jet when Moscow stole Crimea..., has NOT been deployed into Syria to stop Russi…See More
Jm Chow
用李
"More or less concluded ?"
"How a fight can be concluded" ... you tell me.
What is your response...if you are the commander in this scenario:
Singapore is being invaded by a fleet of Russian jets...
Do we scramble our fleet of jet fighters..... meet them, fight them... and shoot them out of the sky.... or…See More
"More or less concluded ?"
"How a fight can be concluded" ... you tell me.
What is your response...if you are the commander in this scenario:
Singapore is being invaded by a fleet of Russian jets...
Do we scramble our fleet of jet fighters..... meet them, fight them... and shoot them out of the sky.... or…See More
Kianpheng Ong
Jm Chow this not the first time you comment the above. What you stated was a half bake facts. What is your intention? Latest f35 has upgraded software, 2006 then was a pro type software.
Yi Yong Ke
Jm Chow
By now, improvement has been made.
The dog fights will come...
Russia will not want to challenge this...for fear of losing face and
future business, because other countries are also puchasing some
fighters from Russia.
just you wait.
By now, improvement has been made.
The dog fights will come...
Russia will not want to challenge this...for fear of losing face and
future business, because other countries are also puchasing some
fighters from Russia.
just you wait.
Georgie Tan
Why hurry to buy expensive jet? We are not going to war or are we? You think Malaysia want to attack SG or maybe other next door neighbors. I do not think so. When mad dog M is gone all will be back to normal. Just do not give in to him.
用李
Wake up, we rush?! Total defends is important as Singapore has come to here. Pls read through the article again if u think we r rushing.
U think building a F35 fighting fleet that can work with Singapore 3G fighting force can come suddenly whenever u feel u needed it??
Only computer game can do that, wake up pls!
U think building a F35 fighting fleet that can work with Singapore 3G fighting force can come suddenly whenever u feel u needed it??
Only computer game can do that, wake up pls!
Reply · 4h
Jm Chow
Mike Yeo wrote: "F-35 pilots have called its “game changing” capabilities"
What game changing capabilities....is the F-35 .an all conquering jet, like a superman in the sky ..or something else ?
It is "something else"...based on reports from Rand (the think tank of the US Armed forces) and other users who bought the F-35.
Rand reported : "The F-35 can't turn, can't climb, can't run ...and it lost ALL simulated dog fights... clubbed like baby seals by Russian fighters .."
If SAF bought a fleet of jet fighters that cannot fly into enemy territory, cannot win dog fights.. had to depend on stealth to hide from enemy fire (when our enemy has Russia made radar which easily expose all stealth aircraft) ..Singapore air defence will be TOTALLY USELESS....we will be clobbered like a baby seal.…See More
What game changing capabilities....is the F-35 .an all conquering jet, like a superman in the sky ..or something else ?
It is "something else"...based on reports from Rand (the think tank of the US Armed forces) and other users who bought the F-35.
Rand reported : "The F-35 can't turn, can't climb, can't run ...and it lost ALL simulated dog fights... clubbed like baby seals by Russian fighters .."
If SAF bought a fleet of jet fighters that cannot fly into enemy territory, cannot win dog fights.. had to depend on stealth to hide from enemy fire (when our enemy has Russia made radar which easily expose all stealth aircraft) ..Singapore air defence will be TOTALLY USELESS....we will be clobbered like a baby seal.…See More
用李
Er.... Singapore upgrade is purely for defense not to create war or nonsense like the old terror doing rite now.
If we r attack we fight to control air superiority, a must in a war!
Dog fight?? U r dreaming, do u kn what is "fire & forget system". May b u should go through how a long bow attacking tech before worring.
If we r attack we fight to control air superiority, a must in a war!
Dog fight?? U r dreaming, do u kn what is "fire & forget system". May b u should go through how a long bow attacking tech before worring.
Reply · 4h
Breeke Lo
Just to clarify, is this very timely "commentary" wriiten independently by Mike Yeo at his own accord or are there any remuneration or benefits involved? I would like to think its the former cos otherwise, it wouldn't be labelled a "commentary" right?
Taggerson Jade
JM Chow, you're back at your nonsense again I see.... Weren't you the one who claimed some expert got secretly called in by the US defense ministry to evaluate these planes, an alleged process SO SECRET it's not been reported or referenced anywhere except in your posts 😂
Jm Chow
No.
It was RAND, the 'think tank' of US Armed Forces...who conducted tests on the actual performance of the F-35.
Repeat... It was RAND, the US experts...who know all about war machines...who tested the F-35.
They reported.." "The F-35 can't turn, can't climb, can't run ...and it lost ALL simulated dog fights... clubbed like baby seals by Russian fighters .."
Rand Report is no secret...just google..."F-35 ...can't turn, can't climb, can't run...clubbed like baby seal"
also google "Rand, the US think tank." for info on Rand.…See More
It was RAND, the 'think tank' of US Armed Forces...who conducted tests on the actual performance of the F-35.
Repeat... It was RAND, the US experts...who know all about war machines...who tested the F-35.
They reported.." "The F-35 can't turn, can't climb, can't run ...and it lost ALL simulated dog fights... clubbed like baby seals by Russian fighters .."
Rand Report is no secret...just google..."F-35 ...can't turn, can't climb, can't run...clubbed like baby seal"
also google "Rand, the US think tank." for info on Rand.…See More
Taggerson Jade
Jm Chow Lol
#1 Make up your mind. Is it RAND or RANK. Calm down, count to 10, think, and wait before you commit the post yeah 😂
#2 If you are referring to the report I think you have in mind, those F-35s in that simulation were SEVERELY outnumbered. But do feel free to tell us what were the units and numbers used for the simulation.
It's fine, we'll wait.
#1 Make up your mind. Is it RAND or RANK. Calm down, count to 10, think, and wait before you commit the post yeah 😂
#2 If you are referring to the report I think you have in mind, those F-35s in that simulation were SEVERELY outnumbered. But do feel free to tell us what were the units and numbers used for the simulation.
It's fine, we'll wait.
Jm Chow
Taggerson Jade
Should be Rand...(my bad)
Rand, a US government organisation, US think tank.... had conducted their evaluation professionally and fairly.. (if you say, they have doctored their tests unprofessionally ...can you show proof ?)
Their report to US government and US armed forces are fair and considered ....as any 'think tank', expert advisors should be (if not..the US government would have disbanded them and have replaced them long long ago.)
The fact remain... F-35 cannot be used in dog fights...(as assessed by Rand)
Since the first batch of early F-35 was delivered years ago, US Airforce has not used F-35 in combat situation (where dog fights is unavoidable..) ....is proof that US Armed forces has accepted Rand assessment..
Should be Rand...(my bad)
Rand, a US government organisation, US think tank.... had conducted their evaluation professionally and fairly.. (if you say, they have doctored their tests unprofessionally ...can you show proof ?)
Their report to US government and US armed forces are fair and considered ....as any 'think tank', expert advisors should be (if not..the US government would have disbanded them and have replaced them long long ago.)
The fact remain... F-35 cannot be used in dog fights...(as assessed by Rand)
Since the first batch of early F-35 was delivered years ago, US Airforce has not used F-35 in combat situation (where dog fights is unavoidable..) ....is proof that US Armed forces has accepted Rand assessment..
Sam Wee
No use to talk so much of these nonsense. What's the purpose of buying this kind of junks if we have no guts to fight ? (Hey , I never said 'NO BALLS)
Your unfriendly neighborhood dare to come to your front door to humiliate you, threaten you, but you only kowtow to them.....
Your unfriendly neighborhood dare to come to your front door to humiliate you, threaten you, but you only kowtow to them.....
Damien Leong
Even big country like Netherlands procured 2x these expensive planes first, we don't have to do this in a hurry...
Petjay Catarbas
I think it's a good call to buy a small number to ensure it meets operational needs, be prudent at the same time maintain a good defence/business relationship with our Bowser.
黄柏安
F35 has a few model, the price variation among the models is also quite large. The short take off type F35C is the most expensive and it is still under the experimental stage. Singapore is not under serious threat in the near future, non of our neighbors except China has the comparable air force and given the economic situation, non has the financial means to upgrade its air force to our standard. So, Singapore should wait and see if F35c is a better buy instead of rushing to buy the other mediocre model of F35 which will soon become obsolete.
Singh Prem
Generally, public news on procurement for defence is never the entire truth of things, and for good reason. A nation has to strictly observe secrecy, to ensure it has the unknown aces, when it matters. Hence, the seepage of little news, but never the full story. When it comes to defence needs, and procurement strategy, i personally believe it is unwise to question our Defence Minister, or our Government. Defence involves a multitude of people and resources, and only our Defence Minister is competent to advise the Government, and to make critical decisions.
Adrian See
Prudence and balance is key. High headed commanders think that having the latest, most expensive tech toys is the best strategy. One naval commander was even quoted as saying we are buying the "BMWs" of submarines. The F35 is not just 100+ million each. Proponents conveniently forget to inform the cost for the entire programme, which runs in the billions. And not to mention the weaknesses of the aircraft, like limited range, partial stealth (not full) and visibility to old radar and Russian S400 & 500 missile systems.
Don't forget, the Germans lost the war, partly because their superior Leopa…See More
Don't forget, the Germans lost the war, partly because their superior Leopa…See More
Alfred Arthur Arnold Be
Why would anyone including Australia buy a redundent aircraft , that is now redundend and admitted by the US its self, they are over 9 million each for something that can now be destroyed withing minutes.
Eng Hong Ong
Where is fighter ace Dave?
Anyway in his article.. modern aviation is placing more and more emphasis on advanced technology and networking.. the F35 will practically "linked" through the entire defense network. A poorly secured data node could provide hackers a loophole to exploits.
Quite sure you guys noticed today TV, routers, mobile phones, playstation, Nintendo switch etc.. all of them allow and require software and firmware patches... And a bad patch could paralyze your entire device..
Call me paranoid, but same with Huawei case, how would I know that Lockheed Martin didn't leave a backdoor to disable their planes when needed.
Anyway in his article.. modern aviation is placing more and more emphasis on advanced technology and networking.. the F35 will practically "linked" through the entire defense network. A poorly secured data node could provide hackers a loophole to exploits.
Quite sure you guys noticed today TV, routers, mobile phones, playstation, Nintendo switch etc.. all of them allow and require software and firmware patches... And a bad patch could paralyze your entire device..
Call me paranoid, but same with Huawei case, how would I know that Lockheed Martin didn't leave a backdoor to disable their planes when needed.
Foong Mun Loh
is Ng Eng Hen a relative of the late Ah Meng ?......he looks like orang utan leh........
Masa Soh Mengming
There was this old man who questioned ESM on the pay of our generals, ministerial salaries and defence budget. I will say he is a bit spiteful. Minister and general salaries are in the order of millions and defence is very important.
But if that old man asked ESM, why are we buying overpriced planes from Daddy Murika that might cost us *thousands* of millions aka billions, then he might have a point.
Why not buy cheaper planes from China and Russia?
But if that old man asked ESM, why are we buying overpriced planes from Daddy Murika that might cost us *thousands* of millions aka billions, then he might have a point.
Why not buy cheaper planes from China and Russia?
Joseph Convergence
Progressively, the F16 can assume a different role , example shooting at enemy paratroopers at mid air..
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