Pentagon report reveals details about Singapore's F-35A/B acquisition

A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-15SG operates alongside a USAF F-35A over Singapore in 2024. The RSAF aims to operate a fighter fleet with F-15SG and F-35A/B aircraft as its future combat force. (US Air Force)

A US Department of Defense (DoD) report has disclosed information about Singapore's Lockheed Martin F-35A/B Lightning II fighter aircraft acquisition, including the programme's contract value.

Singapore is acquiring eight F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) and 12 F-35B short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. According to the DoD report, the acquisition programme has a value of USD4.059 billion.

The information, which appeared in the US DoD's modernised selected acquisition report (MSAR) for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter programme, marks the first time that the financial value of the acquisition has been made public.

The report was prepared for the 2027 US President's Budget in April and cleared for public release on 3 August.

In 2019, Singapore announced its intention to procure an initial four F-35 fighters, with an option for eight more, under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme. Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) subsequently signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for 12 F-35B STOVL aircraft on 20 March 2020.

The F-35B acquisition plan, which included spare parts, logistics, and training support, had an estimated value of USD2.75 billion at the time, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

On 4 February 2025, Singapore signed an LOA amendment for eight F-35A fighters, in addition to its procurement of F-35B aircraft.

Basing details