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tactical shortcomings would
indeed be expensive.
The stealth capability of
the Lightning II is its biggest
strength. But some critics are
now calling this into question,
warning that the jet can be
tracked by infrared search and

track (IRST) systems of the kind

proliferating in China and Russia.

“Despite the aircraft’s best

efforts, heat does come from the

engines, so it can be tracked by

highly sophisticated IRST sensors

if they are set up correctly,” one

source told AFM, adding that

“the [F-35] can be detected and

tracked in the rear sector.”

The US government and

Lockheed Martin are keen to

secure a deal with Singapore,

and some US Air Force ‘top

brass’ attended the show. On the

morning of the first day, senior

figures from both the RSAF and

USAF posed for a photo call

in front of a US Marine Corps

F-35B, USAF F-22A, RSAF

F-15SG and an RSAF F-16C.

Among the air force leaders

were RSAF Chief of Staff Maj

Gen Mervyn Tan, USAF Chief

Above: RSAF Chief of Staff Maj Gen Mervyn Tan (third from left) stands between USAF Chief of Staff Gen David L Goldfein (third from right) and USAF
Commander, Pacifi c Air Forces (PACAF) Gen Terrence J O’Shaughnessy at the show. All photos Alan Warnes unless stated Left: The RSAF’s need for a new MPA
saw many companies marketing a possible replacement. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is offering its ELI-3360 Global 5000MPA. IAI Below: Two F-35Bs from
the USMC’s VMFA-121 ‘Green Knights’ were exhibited in the static. The RSAF is being lined up as a potential future customer for the F-35A conventional take-
off and landing version. Lockheed Martin

http://www.airforcesmonthly.com #361 APRIL 2018 // 35

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