Speaking at a Singapore Defence Ministry budget meeting in parliament on February 28, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the aircraft are expected to be delivered around 2030.
This is an additional order beyond the RSAF's existing order of 12 F-35 "B" variant fighter jets. With the addition of eight more F-35A aircraft, the RSAF's fleet of US-made fifth-generation fighter jets will increase to 20.
Singapore has purchased eight F-35A fighter jets. (Photo: Straits Times)
Mr. Ng Eng Hen told the Singapore Parliament that the two variants of the F-35 fighter jet have different strengths, which will help enhance the capabilities of the RSAF.
“The F-35A is designed for greater endurance – it has the capability to carry higher payloads. It complements the F-35B’s short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities… providing greater operational flexibility in Singapore,” he said .
Mr. Ng Eng Hen did not specify the cost of the eight F-35A aircraft, but figures released by the US indicate that in the latest production batch, each F-35A will cost an average of approximately $82.5 million, while an F-35B will cost $109 million.
According to Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Singapore's Defence Ministry spending will reach US$15 billion in the 2024/2025 financial year, a 2.5% increase from the previous year.
The RSAF purchased its first four F-35B jets in 2020, and these are scheduled for delivery in 2026. Eight more F-35B jets purchased in 2023 are expected to be delivered in 2028.
Singapore is one of four Indo- Pacific nations that have purchased F-35 fighter jets, along with Australia, Japan, and South Korea. Globally, countries that own F-35s include Canada, Israel, the United Kingdom, and other European powers.
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