Singapore at-sea deployment of F-35Bs can overcome airfield dependency
The RSAF is one of the strongest and most well-trained air arms in the region, but its air bases are all in close proximity to each other. (Photo: US DoD)
Singapore could potentially deploy F-35Bs from its Joint Multi-Mission Ship to overcome airfield dependency and improve air defence as part of its apparent new security strategy.
After comprehensive evaluations, Singapore recently confirmed it would purchase eight more F-35B fighters, bringing the fleet to 12.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) selected the F-35B in 2020 as the initial successor to its F-16C/D, with the latter set to begin withdrawal in 2030.
Singapore is going to be the first Southeast Asian country to receive the B variant of the Lockheed Martin fifth-generation jet in 2026.
Singapore is also unique in that it is the only customer with no plans to deploy the short-take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B from a ship – not officially, anyway.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
