Singapore identifies F-35 as most suitable replacement for F-16, to order a few for evaluation

An F-35B Lightning VTOL 5th generation fighter of the US Marine Corps. Singapore previously indicated its interest in the VTOL version of the American-made 5th generation fighter from Lockheed Martin. Photo c/o War is Boring page.

Singapore's Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced today that they found the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning 5th generation stealth fighter as the most suitable replacement for their ageing Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcons.

MINDEF confirmed that evaluation for the F-16 replacement has been made for the last 5 years by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), evaluating the F-35 with contemporaries from Europe, Russia, and China.

To complete the evaluation, the MINDEF would acquire a few units before deciding to acquire a full fleet. 

Defence Minister Ng Eng Heng posted in social media that it would likely take 9 to 12 months to finalize an initial deal.
The RSAF has been operating the current model F-16C/D Fighting Falcon since 1998, and is expected to be obsolete beyond 2030, even after mid-life upgrades. While it is unconfirmed which variant will be ordered, previous reports mentioned that the RSAF is interested in the Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) variant, the F-35B.

It has been speculated for several years that Singapore, with its hefty defense budget despite the country's size, can afford to equip its air force with the best aircraft available in the market, and may opt to be among the first buyers of the Lockheed Martin F-35.


[1] Channel NewsAsia
[2] New Straits Times
[3] The Straits Times
[4] South China Morning Post