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Singapore has cemented its commitment to bolstering its air defenses by announcing the procurement of eight additional F-35A fighter jets, set to grow its fifth-generation fighter fleet to a formidable tally of 20.
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These stealth aircraft, a symbol of advanced military capability, are poised to replace Singapore’s aging F-16s and place the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in the “premier league” of global air power, as articulated by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.
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This strategic move by Singapore is not merely an upgrade of its military assets but a calculated response to the shifting sands of geopolitical tensions.
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Defence Minister Ng, in a parliamentary address, underscored the rising ambient temperature of geopolitics, citing the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and frictions between superpowers. He noted, “The risk of regional and even global conflict in the next decade has become non-zero,” emphasizing the necessity for a robust Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to deter any potential aggression and adventurism.
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Singapore’s investment in the F-35A variant, known for its conventional takeoff and landing capabilities, larger fuel capacity, and heavier payload, complements the F-35B variant’s unique short takeoff and vertical landing attribute.
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This distinction endows the RSAF with a dual advantage: operational flexibility in Singapore’s constrained geographical landscape and enhanced endurance for extended missions. As Lieutenant-Colonel Zhang Jianwei from RSAF’s Air Plans Department elucidates, this diversified fleet, also including F-15SG jets, will enable the execution of a full suite of missions to defend Singapore’s skies.
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Internationally, the F-35 has become the fighter of choice for many nations seeking to solidify their air superiority in the face of emerging threats. Countries like Switzerland and Germany have joined a long list of global F-35 operators, with the robust order pipeline keeping prices competitive, akin to Boeing’s F-15s, according to Defence Minister Ng.
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With close to 2,500 F-35s on order worldwide, Singapore’s acquisition is a testament to the aircraft’s established reputation and operational success on various battlefields, including in the Middle East and Ukraine.
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The anticipated delivery of these jets around 2030 falls within a critical window as RSAF’s F-16s are scheduled for retirement starting in the mid-2030s.
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Singapore’s foresight in progressively upgrading its F-16 fleet ensures a seamless transition to the technologically superior F-35s, underscoring the city-state’s prudent long-term defense planning.
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This defense strategy is not isolated but part of a larger narrative where the Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a ramp-up in aerial capabilities amidst concerns.
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Lockheed Martin, the F-35’s manufacturer, foresees over 300 F-35s calling the Indo-Pacific home by 2035, reinforcing allied partnerships and facilitating interoperability among the United States and regional allies such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and now Singapore.
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Steve Over, Lockheed Martin’s director of F-35 international business development, emphasized the F-35’s role in coalition forces, where its unparalleled network-centric warfare capabilities serve as an “incredible force multiplier.” This aligns with the broader U.S. strategy to strengthen air power in the Indo-Pacific, a region of increasing strategic importance.
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Singapore’s calculated investment in these eight new F-35A jets, despite nominal increases in defense spending, is a strategic maneuver within a complex geopolitical landscape.
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It signals the nation’s commitment to maintaining a cutting-edge air force ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond, ensuring the defense and sovereignty of the small but strategically significant island nation.
Relevant articles:
– Singapore to buy eight F-35A fighter jets as defence spending inches up, channelnewsasia.com
– 35As, expanding JSF fleet to 20, Breaking Defense
– RSAF to acquire eight F-35A fighter jets, growing its fleet to 20 F-35s, The Straits Times
– US Puts 300+ F-35 Stealth Fighters In Indo-Pacific As Pentagon Enhances ‘Coalition Capacity’ To Fight PLAAF, EurAsian Times