Singapore leaves door open to F-35 variants
USMC F-35Bs refuel from an RSAF A330 MRTT during Exercise Pitch Black 2022. (Australian Department of Defence)
Singapore is evaluating other variants of the F-35 in additional to the STOVL variant it has on order.
While Singapore has placed a firm order for the short take-off and vertical landing F-35B fighter, it is continuing its evaluation and will not rule out ordering another variant.
This is according to Maj Zhang Jianwei, who heads the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Next-Generation Fighter Project Office, speaking to media on the sidelines of Exercise Pitch Black in September:
‘While our rigorous evaluation process has identified F-35B as the most suitable replacement for the F-16, we will continue our rigorous evaluation and make further decisions when we are ready.’
Singapore signed a letter of offer and acceptance for four F-35Bs
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Electric and hybrid aerial drone fleets are expanding their footprint]()
Electric and hybrid aerial drone fleets are expanding their footprint
Advances in uncrewed aerial vehicles powered by renewable technologies are coming to the fore, with battery, hydrogen and solar propulsion challenging traditional fossil fuel-dependent models.
-
![CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)]()
CH-47 Chinook: why the iconic helicopter design is still a heavy-lift contender (updated 2026)
From its emergence as a ground-breaking design in the 1950s to its widespread deployment in diverse operations worldwide, the Chinook continues to leave an indelible mark on the aviation landscape. Shephard sums up the helicopter’s latest developments.
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
