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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
![DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions]()
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
![DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine]()
DSEI 2025: UK launches Project Octopus to deliver thousands of interceptor drones to Ukraine
The programme will work to build and deploy the drones to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia, coming a day after Poland shot down 19 Russian drones in its airspace.
-
![DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue]()
DSEI 2025: NATO members evaluate Black Widow UAV as it joins NSPA catalogue
The addition of Red Cat’s Black Widow to NATO’s NSPA catalogue opens the doors for allied forces to more easily procure the AI-enabled drone.
