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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
-
![NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)]()
NHI’s NH90: Europe’s multirole helicopter strives to maintain relevance (updated 2026)
Developed in response to NATO’s needs, NHIndustries’ NH90 remains a cornerstone of European and Middle Eastern fleets – with upgrades planned to extend and improve the capabilities of the versatile and capable platform.
-
![April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones]()
April Drone Digest: Why militaries are rethinking high-end drones
From France to Romania, there has been a clear shift away from expensive, vulnerable MALE UAVs in April towards lower-cost, expendable systems. Hard lessons from Ukraine and Iran have driven this shift.
