Singapore firms up option for eight more F-35Bs
Singaporean F-15SGs fly alongside F-35Bs from the USMC in January 2023. (Photo: Singapore MINDEF)
With Singapore confirming eight more F-35B fighters, it will eventually have a fleet of 12, plus the possibility of more being added later.
Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen announced during a parliamentary budget session on 24 February that Singapore would purchase eight more F-35B fighters.
When the F-35’s selection was first announced in 2019, Ng said an initial purchase would be made to fully evaluate the jet’s capabilities before deciding on a full fleet.
Following the signing of the letter of acceptance for four F-35Bs in 2020 – with another eight on option – Singapore was given access to F-35 users-only information and facilities, which allowed a series of comprehensive evaluations to be conducted.
‘All of these have given us valuable insights.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes]()
Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes
A significant effort is now being made to focus on showcasing prototypes directly to demonstrate various capabilities to the US government.
-
![Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept]()
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
-
![US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort]()
US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.
