SINGAPORE, Feb 29 – The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will buy eight F-35A jets, continuing its build-up of a “next-generation” force to serve the country’s security needs, CNA reported.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered around 2030, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said during the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF) budget debate in parliament on Wednesday.
This is on top of RSAF’s existing order of 12 F-35 jets of the “B” variant, expanding its full fleet of the fifth-generation US-made fighter aircraft to 20.
Once operational, the F-35 jets will put Singapore’s air force in the “premier league”, he said.
The purchase is timed to capitalise on a “window of opportunity”. F-35 prices are now more competitive amid a healthy order pipeline for the jets globally, said Dr Ng, who did not reveal the cost of Singapore’s F-35A purchase.
Overall, MINDEF’s expenditure will hit S$20.2 billion (US$15 billion) in the 2024/2025 financial year, up 2.5 per cent from the previous year, he told parliament.
