US plans to extend Singapore F-16 pilot training http://today.reuters.com/stocks/QuoteCompanyNewsArticle.aspx?view=CN&storyID=2006-07-28T183602Z_01_N28332524_RTRIDST_0_ARMS-SINGAPORE-USA.XML&rpc=66
Fri Jul 28, 2006
By Jim Wolf
WASHINGTON, July 28 (Reuters) - The Bush administration plans to extend Singapore F-16 fighter pilots' use of an Arizona training range and munitions, in a deal valued at up to $301 million, the Pentagon said on Friday.
Singapore needs the continued use of Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, to train pilots for its current and future F-16 inventory, the Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress.
The long-term pilot training program enhances the island-state's ability to operate side-by-side with U.S. forces in coalition operations, the notice said.
"Singapore is a firm supporter of the global war on terrorism and has deployed forces to assist in Operation Iraqi Freedom," the U.S.-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the Pentagon said.
The proposed deal would cover 105,000 20mm cartridges as well as 12 AIM-9 Sidewinder coolant bottles, fuel and related costs, the notice said.
The value would total $301 million if all options are exercised, it said. The notice did not specify when Singapore's F-16 pilots started at Luke Air Force Base, which has been a training ground for Taiwan's F-16 pilots since 1997, according to the nonpartisan U.S. Congressional Research Service.
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