| Singapore plans to buy F-35 fighter jets. |
On 18 January 2018, the Singapore Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen announced that Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets are considered the most suitable substitute for the F-16 RSAF fleet. The nation now plans to buy some aircraft to conduct tests before discussing a large-scale purchase.
"The Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-16s that were in service since 1998 will have to retire soon after 2030, even after their mid-life upgrades. That’s not very far away, just over 10 years, to acquire their replacement and, just as important, to build the logistic support and train pilots individually and as a fleet to guard our skies.
Happy to report that DSTA Defence Science and Technology Agency and RSAF have completed their technical evaluation for the replacement. It took longer than expected – more than five years – as they had to go through in detail specifications and needs, which they could only do after developmental flight testing of the F-35s was completed in early 2018. They have decided that the F-35 would be the most suitable replacement fighter.
Our agencies will now have to speak to their US counterparts to move the process forward, which may take 9 - 12 months before a decision is made. Even then, we want to procure a few planes first, to fully evaluate the capabilities of the F-35 before deciding on the acquisition of a full fleet. We must prepare well and cater enough time to replace our F-16s," he said.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
