S'pore to buy 67 US missiles as part of S$28.9 million defence package

Singapore will purchase 67 Hellfire missiles from the U.S., as part of a US$22.3 (S$28.9) million package.

AGM-114R Hellfire missiles are a type of laser-guided, air-to-ground and anti-armour missile typically launched from Apache helicopters.

The U.S. Department of State wrote in a notification to Congress on Jun. 30 that it had approved the sale, which also includes other related elements like Hellfire spare parts, technical manuals and repair materials and services.

According to the website, the Singapore government had requested 24 additional missiles on top of a previously implemented Foreign Military Sales case worth US$12.4 million (S$16.1 million), which falls under a threshold that requires the State Department to notify Congress.

According to The Straits Times (ST), Singapore's threshold is set at US$14 million (S$18.1 million) or more.

The original case included personnel training, training equipment and technical and logistics support services.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a strategic partner that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Asia," the notification wrote.

It added that the sale will "improve Singapore's capability" to deal with threats by enhancing the Singapore Air Force's operations and efficiency.

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) told ST that the weapons will support the Singapore Air Force's routine training and operational requirements.

The missiles will be equipped on the RSAF's multi-mission AH-64D Apache helicopters.

"Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces take a strategic long-term view on our defence acquisitions to ensure that we make prudent and cost-effective decisions that best meet our defence needs, and maintain operational readiness," said Mindef.