Singapore Spends $4 Billion on 20 F-35 Fighter Jets! Chooses F-35B Due to Limited Territory, 12 to Be 'Permanently Based in the U.S.'

According to a newly declassified report from the U.S. Department of Defense, Singapore has procured 20 F-35 stealth fighters (F-35 stealth fighters) and related equipment from the United States. The total value of this defense procurement contract amounts to $4.06 billion (approximately NT$129.92 billion). This marks the first time the Singaporean government has publicly disclosed the full cost of this arms sale since launching its fleet modernization program.

The report details the delivery schedule and future deployment bases for these fifth-generation fighters. The first batch of Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-35 fighters is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026 and will initially be stationed at U.S. mainland bases. After comprehensive testing and calibration, they are scheduled to be transported back to Singapore for local deployment by 2029.

Singapore’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) first announced in 2019 the purchase of four F-35 fighters, along with an option to acquire an additional eight. At that time, the U.S. government estimated the deal’s total value at approximately $2.75 billion (about NT$88 billion). Shortly after, in 2023, Singapore exercised its option to purchase an additional eight fighters and continued expanding its order, bringing the total number of aircraft acquired to 20. The goal is to fully replace the aging fleet of current F-16 fighters.

Choosing the F-35B Fighter Due to Limited Territory

The report indicates that among the F-35 fighters purchased by the RSAF, 12 are the specially equipped F-35B variant. Unlike other countries’ air forces, these 12 F-35B fighters will be “permanently stationed” at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, USA. In fact, all RSAF F-35 pilots will also be concentrated at this base for training.

U.S. military F-35B fighter landing on the deck of the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour. (Screenshot from DVIDS system)

Unlike the conventional takeoff and landing A-model, the F-35B fighter’s key feature is its Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, enabling it to launch from shorter runways and even hover and land vertically like a helicopter. This makes it the preferred choice for the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) amphibious assault ships and light aircraft carriers of other nations.

Singapore’s former Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen emphasized during the February 2024 parliamentary budget debate that the F-35B’s characteristics offer the country’s air force “better operational flexibility” given Singapore’s highly constrained land resources.

Besides the above 12 aircraft, the remaining eight are all conventionally configured F-35A fighters. These F-35As will be deployed to Tengah Air Base in Singapore after completing training. The U.S. report also notes that Singapore’s Ministry of Defence has already begun designing a dedicated domestic F-35A operational base, expected to become fully operational in the fourth quarter of the 2029 fiscal year (July to September 2029).

Differences between F-35A and F-35B:

F-35A: Offers stronger payload and endurance capabilities, with a maximum weapons load of 8,160 kg and larger fuel tank capacity, achieving a maximum flight range of 2,200 km.

F-35B: Due to the added vertical lift fan structure, the maximum weapons load is capped at 6,800 kg, and the maximum flight range is 1,667 km.