Singapore, February 8 - Singapore is poised to join the elite group of nations operating the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, with its first F-35 fighters scheduled for delivery later this year. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will receive an initial batch of four F-35B variants before the end of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of its fighter fleet. This acquisition stems from a 2019 contract for four short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, positioning Singapore as the fourth Asia-Pacific country to introduce the fifth-generation stealth fighter and the first in the ASEAN region to do so. The F-35B's unique STOVL capability offers operational flexibility, enabling operations from shorter runways or austere environments, which aligns well with Singapore's compact geography and strategic defense needs.
The introduction of the F-35 represents a major leap forward for the RSAF, transitioning from fourth-generation platforms like the F-16 to advanced stealth technology. The F-35 Lightning II delivers superior sensor fusion, network-centric warfare capabilities, and low-observable characteristics that enhance situational awareness and survivability in contested airspace. Initial operations for Singapore's F-35Bs will take place at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas, where RSAF personnel will undergo comprehensive training alongside U.S. partners. This approach ensures pilots and maintainers achieve full proficiency before the aircraft relocate to Tengah Air Base in Singapore around 2029, allowing for a smooth integration into the RSAF's operational structure.
Singapore's commitment to the F-35 program extends beyond the initial four aircraft. The country has exercised options for an additional eight F-35Bs, with deliveries expected in 2028, and placed a further order for eight F-35A conventional take-off and landing variants in 2024, slated for arrival by 2030. In total, this will equip the RSAF with a fleet of 20 F-35 fighters across both variants, complementing its existing F-15SG and future fighter assets. The diversified mix strengthens deterrence and provides robust air defense in an increasingly complex regional security environment.
This procurement underscores Singapore's long-term strategy to maintain a credible and technologically advanced air force capable of safeguarding national sovereignty. By embracing the F-35 Lightning II, the RSAF not only gains cutting-edge multirole combat power but also deepens interoperability with key allies already operating the platform in the Asia-Pacific. As deliveries commence later this year, Singapore edges closer to realizing a next-generation airpower capability that will shape its defense posture for decades to come.
