Singapore strengthens air defence with F-35 fighter jet acquisition

In a move to enhance its aerial combat capabilities, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is set to bolster its fleet with the acquisition of eight F-35A fighter jets.

This announcement was made by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen during the Budget 2024 debate on the Ministry of Defence’s (Mindef) budget on February 28. The new aircraft will complement the previously announced purchase of 12 F-35Bs, marking a substantial investment in fifth-generation stealth technology proven effective on the battlefield.

The F-35As, which are expected to arrive around 2030, follow Mindef’s 2023 decision to buy an additional eight F-35Bs after an initial acquisition of four in 2020. These state-of-the-art jets are produced by Lockheed Martin, a leading aerospace manufacturer based in the United States.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this acquisition, Dr Ng explained that the F-35A variant offers greater endurance and the capability to carry higher payload capacities, perfectly complementing the F-35B’s unique short take-off and vertical landing capabilities. This combination provides the RSAF with enhanced operational flexibility, particularly crucial in Singapore’s land-scarce context.

The F-35’s proven track record includes successful operations across the globe, from striking Islamic State targets in the Middle East to conducting reconnaissance missions in conflict zones such as Ukraine. This has not only demonstrated the aircraft’s formidable capabilities but also encouraged other nations to join the growing list of F-35 operators.

With close to 2,500 units on order worldwide, the F-35 program has reached a competitive pricing point, making it an opportune moment for Singapore to expand its fleet. Although specific figures for the eight F-35As were not disclosed, pricing trends suggest a cost-effective window for acquisition, with the latest production lot indicating a price of US$82.5 million per F-35A.

This expansion comes with strategic implications, as Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) may need to reprioritize other projects to facilitate this purchase. However, Dr Ng expressed confidence that the timing and decision to invest in the F-35As are in the nation's best interest, propelling the RSAF into the "premier league" of air forces.

The new F-35s are set to replace the RSAF's ageing F-16 jets, enhancing Singapore's defensive capabilities alongside the fully operational F-15SGs.

A budget of S$20.8 billion is set to be voted on for allocation to the Ministry of Defence for FY2024, making up about 15.6% of the total budget allocated to the ministries.

Criticism of the F-35 Programme

While the acquisition marks a significant milestone for Singapore’s air defense, the F-35 program has not been without its critics. Notably, the handling of intellectual property rights has been a point of contention, with the U.S. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall highlighting the lessons learned from the F-35’s challenges.

This includes a strategic shift for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter program, ensuring upfront acquisition of intellectual property rights to avoid maintenance and sustainment challenges experienced with the F-35 program.

Furthermore, the program has faced criticism from international quarters. Senior Australian journalist Brian Toohey has voiced concerns over Australia's decision to expand its F-35 fleet, citing the aircraft's history of costly problems.

Toohey argues for a reevaluation of the program, emphasizing the F-35's operational and financial burdens. This sentiment is echoed by various reports and experts questioning the aircraft's reliability, operational range, and suitability for specific strategic needs, such as Australia’s requirement for an effective reach in the Asia-Pacific region.

It is unknown how Singapore has managed to handle the costly maintenance arrangement with Lockheed Martin, as experienced by the other countries that have purchased the planes.