By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is set to enhance its fleet by adding eight F-35A fighter jets, bringing its total F-35 count to 20. This decision was announced by Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng, and it complements the earlier procurement of 12 F-35Bs. The delivery of the eight F-35As is expected around 2030. These aircraft are manufactured by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin.
The F-35B is the world’s first supersonic short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. With a single turbofan engine that generates 43,000 pounds of thrust, the F-35B surpasses the power of other models like the F/A-18 Super Hornet. The F-35B is equipped with Very Low Observable stealth technology, which allows it to evade radar detection and operate effectively in contested airspace. This stealth capability is further enhanced by the aircraft’s external design and materials, which absorb radar or radio waves used by enemy forces to identify aerial threats.
Dr Ng explained to Parliament that the two F-35 variants offer unique advantages to enhance RSAF’s capabilities. The F-35As are engineered for extended endurance and can carry larger payloads. They complement the F-35Bs, which possess short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, offering greater operational flexibility in Singapore’s limited land space.
Over 900 F-35s have been deployed in global operations, including strikes against the Islamic State in the Middle East and reconnaissance missions to identify Russian surface-to-air missile sites in Ukraine. The success of the F-35 on the battlefield has led to increased interest from countries like Switzerland and Germany, while existing customers such as South Korea, Japan, and Britain have placed additional orders.
With nearly 2,500 F-35s ordered worldwide, the production pipeline remains robust, and the pricing is now more competitive, comparable to Boeing’s F-15, according to Dr Ng. While the exact cost of the eight F-35As was not disclosed by the Ministry of Defence, U.S. data suggests that each F-35A costs US$82.5 million (S$111 million), while an F-35B is priced at US$109 million.
Once operational, the F-35s will elevate the RSAF to the “premier league,” as per Dr Ng. The first four F-35Bs are expected to be delivered in 2026, followed by the remaining eight in 2028. These new additions will replace the RSAF’s aging F-16 jets, which have been in service since 1998 and have been upgraded over time with modern sensors and weaponry to maintain operational readiness until the mid-2030s.
The acquisition of eight more F-35B fighter jets by the RSAF represents a significant step forward in Singapore’s defense capabilities. As regional security challenges evolve and technological advancements continue to reshape the battlefield, the F-35B’s advanced capabilities will play a crucial role in maintaining Singapore’s defense readiness. However, it is also important to continue monitoring the program’s progress and addressing the challenges it faces to ensure the successful integration of these advanced fighters into Singapore’s air force.