Singapore announces F-35A order as it looks to diversify its future fighter fleet
The latest F-35A order will allow Singapore to employ the full gamut of F-35 capabilities without the F-35B’s endurance, performance and payload shortcomings. (Photo: Roy Choo)
Singapore’s announcement of the procurement of eight F-35As has solidified the country’s commitment to enhancing national security and has seen it join select nations in operating multiple variants of the Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft.
Singapore defence minister Ng Eng Hen confirmed that the city-state had placed an order for eight conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) F-35A Lightning IIs during a parliament budget session on 28 February. Singapore will join the US, Italy and Japan in operating both A and B variants of the jet on completion of the deal.
The purchase came on the back of two previous orders for F-35Bs, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) version of the fighter. In 2019, Singapore announced the acquisition of an initial four F-35Bs for “evaluation” while a second order of eight aircraft was made public
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