The Singapore Armed Forces will also incorporate virtual reality technology and a new digital range to bolster training as part of its 2040 vision.
SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is set to acquire an additional eight F-35B fighter jets, bringing its total fleet of fifth-generation fighters to 12 by the end of the decade.
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen made the announcement in Parliament on February 24, confirming that the jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will be delivered by the end of the 2020s. In 2019, Singapore had already placed an order for four F-35Bs, expected to arrive by 2026, at an estimated cost of US$2.75 billion. The new purchase is part of a deal made with an option to acquire more jets, which Singapore has now exercised following thorough evaluations.
Dr Ng emphasized that the F-35B is the best fit to meet Singapore’s current and future defence needs, aligning with the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) modernization efforts.
With an estimated budget of S$17.98 billion for 2023, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) leads the government in spending, marking a 5.6 percent increase over 2022. The funding reflects both the pressures of inflation and the ongoing need to enhance the SAF’s ability to respond to non-traditional threats.
“We must not sacrifice Singapore’s security for political convenience,” Dr Ng told Parliament, underscoring the long-term vision for the SAF and the importance of investing in systems that take years to develop and integrate.
In line with the SAF’s 2040 transformation plan, Dr Ng also unveiled plans to upgrade training methods, incorporating advanced virtual reality simulations and a new digital range. These initiatives will enhance the readiness of Singapore’s forces, focusing on both conventional and cyber threats.
Cyber Threats and Digital Advances
Dr Ng also revealed that the newly established Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) has already identified and is monitoring cyber threats from both state and non-state actors. “Cyber threats are persistent and widespread, with tens of thousands of attacks daily,” he said. The DIS, integrated into the SAF, aims to improve early warning systems, operational intelligence, and C4 (command, control, communications, and computers) capabilities.
A ‘Game-Changing’ Fighter Jet
The F-35B acquisition is part of Singapore’s broader strategy to enhance its air capabilities. The fighter’s advanced sensors and information-sharing systems are seen as “game-changing,” according to Colonel Daxson Yap, RSAF’s Air Plans Department head. He highlighted that the F-35’s ability to fuse and share information will enhance the effectiveness of other aircraft deployed in tandem.
The RSAF’s in-depth evaluation of the F-35’s potential included multiple training exercises, including flying alongside the U.S. Marine Corps and participation in international conferences, ensuring the integration of F-35 capabilities with the SAF’s existing systems.
As part of the long-term modernization strategy, the F-35B will replace the aging fleet of F-16 fighter jets, with the retirement of the F-16s expected by the mid-2030s.
Training Upgrades for Future Defense
Dr Ng also announced significant upgrades to the SAF’s training infrastructure, including a 20 percent increase in virtual simulation training, reducing reliance on live exercises. By 2026, the SAF will open a new digital range capable of simulating more sophisticated environments, aimed at enhancing the digital skills of its workforce. The SAF also plans to establish a Digital Ops-Tech Centre in 2024 to develop in-house software solutions for defense operations.
Learning from Global Conflicts
As the world closely watches the ongoing war in Ukraine, Dr Ng noted that modern warfare is shifting, and the resilience of the people is as crucial as weaponry. The Ukrainian conflict, he pointed out, demonstrates the importance of innovation, citizen engagement, and fighting spirit in times of adversity.
“We must remember that, ultimately, it is not just the technology and weaponry that matter, but the fighting spirit of our people,” he said, reaffirming the importance of resilience in Singapore’s defense strategy.
Looking Ahead
With these developments, Singapore’s defence strategy is poised to maintain its cutting-edge capabilities, ensuring that the SAF remains agile and well-prepared for future challenges, whether in the air, in cyberspace, or on the ground.
