US plans to extend Singapore F-16 pilot training

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 dollars, the Pentagon said today.

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 Defence 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 US 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 US-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 dollars 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 US Congressional Research Service.

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