As the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plans to add eight more Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter aircraft to its fleet, the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, for the first time, participated in bilateral training with RSAF at Paya...
To read the full article, please log in or enter your email below:
As the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) plans to add eight more Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter aircraft to its fleet, the U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs, for the first time, participated in bilateral training with RSAF at Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore this week.
Speaking in Parliament, Singapore's Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced the acquisition of eight F-35A fighter aircraft which will complement an existing order for 12 F-35B aircraft. The A variant is designed for conventional takeoffs and landings, while the B variant with a lift fan enables short takeoffs and vertical landings.
“Steady defence spending allowed this calculated decision, including the mid-life upgrade of the F-16s before they are progressively drawn down from mid-2030s onwards & replaced by the F-35s,” he said.
RSAF began the process of evaluation of the F-35 in 2004, before announcing its first purchase of four aircraft in 2019.
When the F-35s are delivered in 2026, they will enable the Air Force to progressively draw down its ageing F-16s while maintaining a capable air force, the minister said. The new jets would be delivered in the 2030 timeframe.
The defence ministry’s budget for the coming financial year is projected to be SGD20.2 billion – a 2.5 per cent increase from financial year 2023.
Dr Ng said that while Singapore’s defence spending has increased nominally in recent years, the share as a percentage of GDP has been falling, mainly due to faster economic growth. “If Singaporeans will not or cannot defend Singapore, there is no backstop. That is the simple truth,” he said.
Meanwhile, this week the F-35s from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, and RSAF F-15SBs and F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted various training scenarios to enhance trust and increase interoperability amongst the U.S. and Singapore air forces.
“We are working with them, seeing how they fly and operate, and then how we can work together,” said Capt. Nicholas Villanueva, 356th Fighter Squadron pilot. “It's actually a pretty easy transition to combine how they do things and how we do things, and working together to increase our interoperability.”
The training practised Dynamic Force Employment to enhance lethality, capabilities and competitiveness. While the components of the training are not new, participants added an element to make it original.
South Korean armoured vehicle manufacturer Kovico is participating for the second time at the ongoing IDEX. Speaking to Daily News,…
Indonesian airframer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) is participating at the ongoing IDEX with an eye on the Middle East market.…
Edge Group, Kintsugi Holding, and the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority (ADCDA), the government entity responsible for fire safety, emergency…
Russian Helicopters is showcasing the newest version of its firefighting helicopter, the Ka-32А11М, at the ongoing IDEX. Russian Helicopters is…
Galvion has received several recent orders from the Middle Eastern region for a total of 35,000 Baltskin helmet systems. The…
A T-90MS Main Battle Tank (MBT) developed and manufactured by Uralvagonzavod for the United Arab Emirates is on display at…
The Korean automaker is displaying a military variant of the Kia Tasman, the automakers first pickup truck, at the ongoing…
UAE's Edge Group is expanding its global foootprint and has signed a series of partnership agreements with international companies at…
Notwithstanding the fact that the United States' arms exports to the Middle East have decreased over the last few years,…
The inaugural day of IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 saw the announcement of 13 deals worth AED 3.97 billion. The contracts were signed…
Turkish Aerospace is displaying a full-size mockup of its Hurkus turboprop trainer at the ongoing IDEX, with the intent to…
Qatar-based Barzan Holdings, which has grown rapidly since its inception in 2016 to become a leading global defence technology company,…
Terma will supply its command-and-control software, BMD-Flex, as part of Slovakia's newly acquired Barak MX Integrated Air Defence System. The…
Russia's Kalashnikov is showcasing small-class and medium-class KUB-2-E guided loitering munition for the first time at the ongoing IDEX. The…
Electronic attack solutions that are designed to deliver advanced electromagnetic countermeasures for both airborne and land-based applications, next-generation ELINT configuration…
Now underway, the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX 2025)/ Naval Defence and Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025) has garnered unprecedented global…
ATERMES, which has seen its advanced surveillance solutions being adopted by countries such as Iraq for critical area protection and…
Turkish land systems firm FNSS is presenting its TEBER-II 30/40 TMT (Two-Man Turret) for the first time at the ongoing…
Edge Group is showcasing its growing portfolio of battlefield disruptors at the ongoing show. The Group’s portfolio of advanced weapons…
Embraer of Brazil is seeking a greater foothold in the region and is promoting two of its important defence platforms…
South African defence firm Denel is eyeing a greater share of international defence markets with its presence at the ongoing…
At the ongoing IDEX, Boeing is showcasing its offerings designed to support the defence modernization and mission readiness of its…
AMMROC, the UAE-based industry leader in aviation MRO services and integrated logistics support and Marshall, are working to develop a…
ADNEC Group has established the the first global platform that brings together leaders, experts, decision-makers, and companies to develop defence…
Embraer has officially begun the structural assembly of the first C-390 Millennium for Austria. An official ceremony was held at…
Türkiye’s defence major Aselsan has brought artillery and mortar systems, smart munitions, ground-penetrating radar, and naval defence solutions to IDEX…
AMMROC, a provider of maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in the region, will participate in IDEX 2025 to showcase…
Indra, which has formed a joint venture with EDGE, will showcase the AESA Nemus and Nemus-C radars, among with its…
HENSOLDT has secured a contract extension valued at approximately 350 million euros for the development of the Eurofighter Mk1 radar.…
SITA has introduced a new global messaging platform, SITA ATC Connect, designed to facilitate communication between airlines, airports, ground handlers,…
Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.
Copyright 2024. GBP. All Rights Reserved.
Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us
2025 GBP all rights reserved.