Singapore: When Will the Balloon Go Up?
The aerostat for Singapore is being supplied by TCOM of the U.S., but the prime contractor and radar supplier is thought to be IAI-Elta Systems.
Despite concerns about effectiveness and airspace compatibility, Singapore’s plans to deploy an early-warning aerostat remain in place.
Despite concerns about effectiveness and airspace compatibility, Singapore’s plans to deploy an early-warning aerostat remain in place.

Singapore expects the delayed delivery of its surveillance radar-carrying aerostat this year, but has not specified when the system will become operational. Eyebrows were raised when the acquisition was announced, because of the island’s crowded airspace and dynamic weather patterns. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) told AIN that it would “ensure that the system meets our stringent operational and safety requirements,” in line with FAA regulations. The RSAF has been working the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) on these.