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Singapore's Ministry of Defence has announced a bold move to strengthen its air power, planning to acquire eight F-35A fighter jets. This acquisition, coupled with existing orders for 12 F-35Bs, will elevate Singapore's Joint Strike Fighter fleet to a formidable force of 20.
Addressing Parliament, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen highlighted the "competitive price" of the F-35A, now comparable to Boeing's F-15s, as a key factor in this strategic decision. Minister Ng further elaborated on the F-35A's capabilities, emphasizing its conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, dependable endurance, and superior payload capacity, granting the Air Force greater operational flexibility.
While both F-35A and F-35B variants are well-suited for Singapore's limited landmass, the F-35A offers distinct advantages. Its longer range and increased payload capacity cater precisely to the nation's defense needs.
This acquisition marks a significant step in Singapore's ongoing military modernization program. The first F-35Bs, ordered in 2020 and 2023, are anticipated to arrive between 2026 and 2028. The F-35As, pending parliamentary approval, are expected to join the fleet by 2030, coinciding with the planned retirement of the F-16s. This strategic move will see Singapore's Air Force soar to new heights, equipped with a diverse and technologically advanced fleet of F-15SGs, F-35As, and F-35Bs.
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