On March 3, 2025, Singapore's Defence Minister officially confirmed the purchase of an additional eight F-35A fighter jets from the United States, following the previous procurement of 12 F-35B variants.
This acquisition will bolster the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) fleet, which is set to operate a total of 20 fifth-generation fighter jets by the end of the decade.
The F-35A, which uses conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL), offers enhanced endurance and a higher payload capacity—8,160 kilograms, compared to the F-35B’s 6,800 kilograms, making it well-suited for long-range operations.
These eight F-35As are expected to arrive by 2030, while the first batch of four F-35Bs will be delivered in 2026, with the second batch arriving in 2028.
The purchase forms part of Singapore’s expanded defence budget for fiscal year 2025, which saw a 12.4% increase to S$23.4 billion (around US$17.4 billion), covering delayed projects and new acquisitions, including two Invincible-class submarines, Titan 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles, upgraded M142 HIMARS rocket launchers, enhanced anti-UAS capabilities, and Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs).
The Defence Minister emphasized that although this year’s budget increase is substantial, future growth will slow to keep spending within 3% of the nation’s GDP, a long-standing fiscal policy.
