DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Marks First International Sale of P-8A Training System

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Marks First International Sale of P-8A Training System

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada -  ST. LOUIS, May 7, 2015: Boeing [NYSE: BA] will provide the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) with a complete training system for the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft under a contract that also includes the sale of four P-8A training systems for the U.S. Navy. This combined domestic and foreign military sale further strengthens the growing partnership between the U.S. Navy and the RAAF on the P-8 program.

 

The system utilizes simulators to train pilots and mission crews to operate the aircraft, its sensors, communications and weapons systems without relying on costly live flights.

“Boeing will deliver a seamless and comprehensive training solution for our customers’ pilots and mission crews” said Tom Shadrach, Boeing P-8 program manager on the Training Systems and Government Services team. “It will prepare them to use the world’s most advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine capabilities for any mission, at any time.”

Boeing currently provides P-8A aircrew training devices, electronic classrooms and courseware for the Navy at its 165,000-square-foot Integrated Training Center (ITC) at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, where the goal is to shift majority of the training to the ITC.

In February 2014, the Australian government approved the acquisition of eight P-8As and supporting infrastructure to include training and initial spares and support equipment. Aircraft deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2017, the P8-A training system is expected to be delivered to Australia in 2018.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world’s largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Defense, Space & Security is a $31 billion business with 53,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense.

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) - Internet 

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2014:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the fifth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Sept. 9 as part of a contract for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol requirements.

 

The aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali, after a flight from Seattle’s Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.

“The P-8I program is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet our maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements,” said Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik, India Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He added that the partnership between Boeing and India has been very professional to date.

“This is another important milestone for the program, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India,” said Dennis Swanson, BDS vice president in India. “We’ll deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year, followed by two in 2015.”

Boeing is building India’s aircraft through a contract awarded in 2009. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the U.S. Navy.  

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

DTN News - INDIA DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 5th P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft to India

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - September 12, 2014:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] delivered the fifth P-8I maritime patrol aircraft to India, on schedule, on Sept. 9 as part of a contract for eight aircraft to support the Indian Navy’s maritime patrol requirements.

 

The aircraft arrived at Naval Air Station Rajali, after a flight from Seattle’s Boeing Field, and joined the four previously delivered P-8Is.

“The P-8I program is progressing on schedule, and the aircraft are providing the capabilities to meet our maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare requirements,” said Vice Admiral RK Pattanaik, India Deputy Chief of Naval Staff. He added that the partnership between Boeing and India has been very professional to date.

“This is another important milestone for the program, and we look forward to continuing our great relationship with India,” said Dennis Swanson, BDS vice president in India. “We’ll deliver one more P-8I before the end of the year, followed by two in 2015.”

Boeing is building India’s aircraft through a contract awarded in 2009. Based on the company’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane, the P-8I is the Indian Navy variant of the P-8A Poseidon that Boeing builds for the U.S. Navy.  

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Photograph: IPF (International Pool of Friends) + DTN News / otherwise source stated

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DTN News - MH370 MALAYSIA AIRLINES: US Navy P-8 Poseidon in Search & Rescue For MH370

DTN News - MH370 MALAYSIA AIRLINES: US Navy P-8 Poseidon in Search & Rescue For MH370

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 6, 2014:  A US Naval surveillance  P-8 Poseidon aircraft involved in the search for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 is seen after landing at Perth airport on March 19 in Perth, Australia. 

The search area for Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 has increased again to include both land and water from Kazakhstan to the southern Indian Ocean following reports the airliner flew for seven hours after last contact.

(PHOTO BY PAUL KANE/GETTY IMAGES)

*Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth 

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News 

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2014: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon program will enter full production, following a $2.4 billion contract award from the U.S. Navy for 16 additional aircraft that will bolster maritime patrol capabilities.

The order, which will take the total fleet to 53, marks a transition from preliminary low-rate production.

Boeing has delivered 13 P-8As to the Navy, which deployed its first patrol squadron to Kadena, Japan in December 2013 and has been conducting operational missions since then.

"This milestone is a testament to the incredible effort and dedication of the team to deliver the P-8A to the fleet as planned," Navy P-8A program manager Capt. Scott Dillon said. "The future of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community has begun to make history with the P-8As already delivered to the fleet. These full-rate production aircraft will give us the opportunity to deliver the best system through a cost-effective procurement contract."

Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A will enhance the service's anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet.

>US Navy orders 1st full-rate production lot

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2014: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon program will enter full production, following a $2.4 billion contract award from the U.S. Navy for 16 additional aircraft that will bolster maritime patrol capabilities.

The order, which will take the total fleet to 53, marks a transition from preliminary low-rate production.

Boeing has delivered 13 P-8As to the Navy, which deployed its first patrol squadron to Kadena, Japan in December 2013 and has been conducting operational missions since then.

"This milestone is a testament to the incredible effort and dedication of the team to deliver the P-8A to the fleet as planned," Navy P-8A program manager Capt. Scott Dillon said. "The future of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community has begun to make history with the P-8As already delivered to the fleet. These full-rate production aircraft will give us the opportunity to deliver the best system through a cost-effective procurement contract."

Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A will enhance the service's anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet.

>US Navy orders 1st full-rate production lot

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Receives $2.4 Billion Contract for 16 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 25, 2014: Boeing's [NYSE: BA] P-8A Poseidon program will enter full production, following a $2.4 billion contract award from the U.S. Navy for 16 additional aircraft that will bolster maritime patrol capabilities.

The order, which will take the total fleet to 53, marks a transition from preliminary low-rate production.

Boeing has delivered 13 P-8As to the Navy, which deployed its first patrol squadron to Kadena, Japan in December 2013 and has been conducting operational missions since then.

"This milestone is a testament to the incredible effort and dedication of the team to deliver the P-8A to the fleet as planned," Navy P-8A program manager Capt. Scott Dillon said. "The future of the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance community has begun to make history with the P-8As already delivered to the fleet. These full-rate production aircraft will give us the opportunity to deliver the best system through a cost-effective procurement contract."

Based on Boeing's Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A will enhance the service's anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Overall, the Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As to replace its P-3 fleet.

>US Navy orders 1st full-rate production lot

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by K. V. Seth from reliable sources Boeing

*Presented & compiled for DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: US Navy, Boeing Sign $2 Billion Order For 13 P-8A Poseidon Aircraft

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 2, 2013: The U.S. Navy recently awarded Boeing [NYSE: BA] a $1.98 billion contract for 13 additional P-8A Poseidon aircraft, continuing the modernization of U.S. maritime patrol capabilities that will ultimately involve more than 100 P-8As. The contract includes long-lead funding previously approved by the Navy. 

The Navy has now ordered 37 of the 117 P-8As it is expected to buy. To date, 10 have been delivered. Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8 provides anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare as well as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. The P-8 is replacing the Navy’s P-3 aircraft.

  

“We’re on budget and on schedule and the Navy will stand up initial operational capability of this transformational aircraft by the end of the year,” said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager.  

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Co., For U.S. Navy P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircrafts Training System Support

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Co., For U.S. Navy P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime Aircrafts Training System Support 

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 29, 2013: The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $21,459,925 modification to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-09-C-0022) for the upgrade of the Training System Support Center in support of the Low Rate Initial Production Lot III, P-8A Multi-Mission Maritime aircraft.  

This modification also includes the procurement for the tooling and data for the Weapons Tactics Trainer.  Work will be performed in St. Louis, Mo., and is expected to be completed in August 2016.  

Fiscal 2011 Aircraft Procurement Navy and Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Navy contract funds in the amount of $21,459,925 are being obligated on this award, of which $21,055,883 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  

The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. 

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2013/04/dtn-news-defense-news-us-dod-awarded_29.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 7th Production P-8A Poseidon Aircraft To US Navy

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - April 2, 2013: Boeing [NYSE: BA] handed over the seventh production P-8A Poseidon to the U.S. Navy on schedule March 29, marking the first delivery from the second low-rate initial production contract awarded in November 2011.

 The maritime patrol aircraft departed Boeing Field in Seattle for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it joined six P-8As currently being used to train Navy crews.

"This is our second P-8A delivery of 2013, and we'll continue to provide the Navy with new Poseidon aircraft at a rate of nearly one a month," said Rick Heerdt, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We've got a full factory of P-8As for the U.S. Navy and P-8I aircraft for India, and we're working side-by-side with both customers to introduce the aircraft's advanced capabilities into their fleets."

Boeing is on contract to build and support 24 P-8A aircraft as part of three LRIP contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012. The Navy plans to purchase 117 P-8As, which are based on the Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 platform. The versatile multi-mission aircraft provides broad long-range maritime patrol capabilities -- anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance -- and will replace the Navy P-3 fleet.

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DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., For The P-8A Covering Cost Various Factors

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash.,  For  The P-8A Covering Cost Various Factors

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 15, 2013: The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $128,393,761 modification to a previously awarded cost-plus-award-fee contract (N00019-04-C-3146) for engineering labor to perform extended lifetime fatigue testing, teardown, and post-teardown analysis of the P-8A airframe under the P-8A System Development and Demonstration Program.  

The engineering tasks and analyses are necessary to authorize P-8A operations for up to 150 percent of the specified service life of the airframe, dependent upon the results of the extended lifetime testing.  

Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash. (95 percent), and St. Louis, Mo. (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2018.  Fiscal 2013 Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation, Navy contract funds in the amount of $128,393,761 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  

The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River Md., is the contracting activity.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2013/03/dtn-news-defense-news-us-dod-awarded_15.html

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Maintain US Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Trainers

DTN News - BOEING DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing To Maintain US Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft Trainers

(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - December 4, 2012:  Boeing [NYSE: BA] will maintain U.S. Navy aircrew training devices for six aircraft types under a new $56 million contract, setting the stage for the company's expansion into trainer maintenance for militaries worldwide.

The five-year contract, which began Dec. 1, involves P-3C, EP-3, P-8A, EA-6B, EA-18G and SH-60B training devices. They are located at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville, Fla.; Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; NAS Whidbey Island, Wash., and Kadena Air Base, Japan.

"This addition to our portfolio is strategically important as we bolster our maritime patrol trainer maintenance business, especially internationally," said Mark McGraw, Boeing vice president for Training Systems and Government Services.

Under a separate Navy contract, Boeing will deliver training systems for its P-8A aircraft to NAS Jacksonville next year. Other sites will follow as that program moves into full-rate production. Boeing will provide trainers and all support functions for U.S. Navy P-8A aircrew training.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is one of the world's largest defense, space and security businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft. Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Defense, Space & Security is a $32 billion business with 61,000 employees worldwide. Follow us on Twitter: @BoeingDefense. 

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DTN News - CHINESE COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS: China Fake Parts 'Used In US Military Equipment'

DTN News - CHINESE COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS: China Fake Parts 'Used In US Military Equipment'

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - May 22, 2012: Vast numbers of counterfeit Chinese electronic parts are being used in US military equipment, a key Senate committee has reported.

A year-long probe found 1,800 cases of fake parts in US military aircraft, the Senate Armed Services Committee said.

More than 70% of an estimated one million suspect parts were traced back to China, the report said.

It blamed weaknesses in the US supply chain, and China's failure to curb the counterfeit market.

The failure of a key part could pose safety and national security risks and lead to higher costs for the Pentagon, the committee said.

US servicemen rely on a variety of "small, incredibly sophisticated electronic components" found in night vision systems, radios and GPS devices and the failure of a single part could put a soldier at risk, the report said.

It highlighted suspect counterfeit parts in SH-60B helicopters used by the Navy, in C-130J and C-27J cargo planes and in the Navy's P-8A Poseidon plane.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/05/dtn-news-chinese-counterfeit-products.html

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $30,144,000 To Procure Additional Long Lead Materials In Support Of U.S. Navy P-8A

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS:  U.S. DoD Awarded Contract To Boeing $30,144,000 To Procure Additional Long Lead Materials In Support Of U.S. Navy P-8A

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 26, 2012: The Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash., is being awarded a $30,144,000 firm-fixed-price modification to a previously awarded advance acquisition contract (N00019-09-C-0022) to procure additional long lead materials in support of P-8A Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) III.  

Work will be performed in Seattle, Wash. (63.8 percent); Greenlawn, N.Y. (11.7 percent); Baltimore, Md. (11.0 percent); North Amityville, N.Y. (8.2 percent); and McKinney, Texas (5.3 percent); and is expected to be completed in May 2015.  

Contract funds will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.  

The Naval Air System Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity.   

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.ca/2012/03/dtn-news-defense-news-us-dod-awarded_26.html 

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft To US Navy‏

DTN News - DEFENSE NEWS: Boeing Delivers 1st P-8A Poseidon Production Aircraft To US Navy‏

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - March 6, 2012: Boeing [NYSE: BA] on March 4 officially delivered the first production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy in Seattle. The P-8A is the first of 13 anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft Boeing will deliver as part of a low-rate initial production (LRIP) contract awarded in 2011.

“Delivering this capability to the warfighter is the ultimate goal and we’re proud to be able to meet our commitment and hand over the P-8A ‘keys’ to the Navy fleet,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “This is a great day for Boeing, our supplier teammates and our Navy customer.”

“The Navy fleet is more than ready to receive the P-8A, which will provide the users and operators a step increase in mission capabilities,” said Rear Admiral Paul Grosklags, U.S. Navy Program Executive Officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault & Special Mission Programs. “Thanks to Boeing and the entire team for its efforts and great partnership to date.”

Following delivery in Seattle, Navy pilots flew the first production P-8A, LRIP1-1, to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., where it will be used for aircrew training.

The Poseidon team is using a first-in-industry in-line production process that draws on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 production system. All P-8A-unique aircraft modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

Along with production aircraft, the P-8A team also has built and is testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft. The flight-test aircraft are based at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., and have completed more than 1,500 flight hours.

A derivative of the Next-Generation 737-800, the Poseidon is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 Boeing 737-based P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is planned for 2013.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/03/dtn-news-defense-news-boeing-delivers.html

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

DTN News - SINGAPORE DEFENSE NEWS: Singapore Seeks Tankers, Tranports, ASW

 (NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - February 11, 2012: Airbus Military could be one of the main beneficiaries of the Singapore air force’s next round of procurements. Singapore has at the top of its procurement list aerial refueling tankers, strategic airlifters and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft, purchases that will see that the island continues to be, for the next few years at least, the biggest spender on new defense equipment in Southeast Asia.

The 2011 defense budget was SG$12.1 billion ($9.6 billion), accounting for 26% of the government budget and about 5% of gross domestic product (GDP). Some analysts estimate that Singapore, with a population of about five million, spends more on defense per capita than any country but Israel.

Defense has always been a top priority, ever since Singapore gained independence in 1965. The nation’s founder, Lee Kwan Yew, recently said in the book Hard Truths, that “without a strong defense, there will be no Singapore. It will become a satellite, cowed and intimidated by its neighbors.”

Singapore has close defense ties with Israel, a point that is downplayed—because it is politically sensitive—but one that is important to remember because it explains why Israeli companies are short-listed by the Singaporeans for upcoming defense purchases. The Israelis are in the running to supply aerial refueling tankers and anti-submarine warfare fixed-wing aircraft.

Aerial refueling tankers are at the top of the list because the air force needs to replace its four Boeing KC-135Rs. An important requirement is that the new tankers be able to assist the air force’s Boeing F-15SGs flying between Singapore and its overseas detachment at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho.

The Boeing KC-46A would ordinarily be the front-runner but Boeing may have to struggle to win the Singapore contract. The manufacturer is already committed to deliver 18 KC-46As to the U.S. Air Force by 2017, leaving no early delivery slots for foreign customers. A Boeing official told Aviation Week in July 2011 that it can deliver KC-46As to foreign customers as early as 2018. But that may be too late for Singapore. Industry executives say Singapore’s air force has been complaining about the difficulty and cost of maintaining the aging KC-135Rs. But the need to secure aerial refueling tankers sooner rather than later creates an opportunity for Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which converts 767s to tankers.

However, industry executives familiar with the situation say the front-runner in this competition is the Airbus Military A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT). Australian air force officials told DTI at the LIMA air show in Malaysia in December that the Singapore air force was interested in the A330MRTT and that the organizers of the Singapore air show were pushing to have a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) tanker on display there. The RAAF, however, has declined the request. They say the only reason the A330MRTT was brought to LIMA was because it had to be in Malaysia for a joint military exercise.

http://defense-technologynews.blogspot.com/2012/02/dtn-news-singapore-defense-news_11.html