Flight International online news 17:30GMT: Boeing's F-15T has beaten the Dassault Rafale in the two-horse race to provide Singapore with its next fighter.

F-15 BIG

The Singapore defence ministry has said in a statement it is "seeking final clarifications and contract negotiation" with the US manufacturer to provide the Singapore Air Force with eight aircraft and 12 options, or 12 fighters with an optional eight.

The Eurofighter Typhoon was earlier this year dropped from the contest because the four-nation consortium could not supply an aircraft to the island state's requirements by the end of 2008.

The Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 60 and Sukhoi Su-30/35 were eliminated in 2004.

Assuming the contract is finalised, the F-15s will replace retiring McDonnell Douglas A-4SUs.

Delays to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, which Singapore has said it will buy, could mean there could be requirements for further present-generation fighters.

MURDO MORRISON/LONDON

Source: Flight International