The planes were referred to as “among the most sophisticated and advanced multi-role soldiers in the world” in a press release released the year before its first F-16C/D.
” The F- 16C/D was selected by the RSAF as it is the most costeffective plane to join Singapore’s defence and security requirements”, it said.
” It also satisfies the RSAF’s requirements in terms of activities, existence- period costs, linear supportability and prospects for switch in the future”.
How have Singapore’s F- 16s been upgraded over the years?
In 2015, the US State Department approved the sale of modifications to Singapore for 60 F- 16 jet, at an estimated value of US$ 130 million.
The next year saw the start of modifications, with each phase progressively advancing.  ,
Previous Chief of Air Force Major- General ( MG) Kelvin Khong said in February 2022 that the RSAF’s ships of F- 16C/Ds , is being upgraded in stages, and it started taking delivery , of the upgraded F- 16s in June 2021.
These improvements increase the F- 16s , capabilities and maintain them technically available until the middle- 2030s, MINDEF said.  ,
The upgrades include a new Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar to allow the F- 16 to track and engage multiple targets , from further away, as also as , an most- weather, ground- attack capability that enables it to strike targets with more capable precision munitions.
The fresh upgrades will likewise equip the jets with , present air- to- air missiles such as the Python- 5 missile, enabling it to engage a broad spectrum of air threats for improved lethality and survivability.
The F-16 jets can use munitions like the Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition to strike targets with greater accuracy in both day and night conditions thanks to its new Air-to-Ground munitions system.
The upgraded F-16s will also be able to facilitate information exchange thanks to its new Link- 16 datalink capability, which enables the sharing of target information with other aircraft and ground forces in a fast-paced air combat environment. This can stop weapons from being used twice as often.
The aircraft will have the ability to engage a wide range of air threats within visual ranges thanks to modern, advanced air-to-air weapons, and advanced datalink capabilities and helmet mounted displays will give the pilot greater situational awareness.