Singapore to buy four F-35s, with option for eight more
Singapore plans to buy four US-made F-35 jet fighters to update its ageing current fleet, the defence minister said Friday 1 March 2019.
The city-state, which has one of Asia's best-equipped militaries, announced in January it had opted for the Lockheed Martin jets over rivals from Europe and China, and planned to first buy a small number before deciding on a full fleet.
Giving an update on the plans, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen told parliament that Singapore ‘will request an initial acquisition of four F-35s, with the option of a subsequent eight if we decide to proceed’.
The current price of an F-35 ranges from $90 million to $115 million, he said, adding the cost had been steadily falling due to healthy orders from around the world.
Ng said the sale had to be approved by US Congress, but had the backing of the US administration.
Singapore has for several years been assessing which fighter jet should replace its current fleet of F-16s, which are due to be taken out of service in around a decade.
The F-35 is a supersonic plane whose advanced stealth characteristic allow pilots to avoid detection by radars, according to Lockheed Martin. Its advanced electronic warfare capabilities enable pilots to locate and track enemy forces, jam radars and disrupt attacks.
The Singapore military also has F-15 fighter jets, Apache helicopters and submarines in its arsenal.
More from Defence Notes
-
![How the Pentagon will use private capital to fund critical capabilities]()
How the Pentagon will use private capital to fund critical capabilities
The DoD has changed its structures and is been increasing efforts to facilitate access to loans by companies interested in working with artificial intelligence, advanced materials and semiconductors, biotechnology and quantum science.
-
![HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals]()
HAL is major beneficiary of latest Indian procurement approvals
India has approved millions of dollars in new military purchases, most of which will go to public sector companies.
-
![Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries]()
Why cybersecurity must be a priority for Latin American militaries
The main obstacles to overcoming risks in the region are a lack of a strong cybersecurity culture and inadequate funds to invest in this domain given a widespread Chinese presence in the region.
-
![MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments]()
MBDA navigates supply chain pressures amidst increased demand for armaments
MBDA is adapting to supply chain pressures as the Russian invasion of Ukraine leads to increased demand for armaments.
-
![Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions]()
Why UK defence still faces an uncertain future and difficult decisions
Despite the additional funding promised this week, the UK armed forces still look set to face cutbacks, and maintaining international commitments to AUKUS and GCAP may limit the options for other programmes.
