US State Dept. approves potential sale of F-35B Lightning II STOVL JSF to Singapore

The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II JSF. Photo c/o USMC.

The US Defense Security Cooperating Agency (DSCA) has confirmed that the US State Department has approved the potential sale of up to twelve (12) units of Lockheed Martin’s short take-off and vetical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter to Singapore.

According to DSCA, the deal could potentially be worth US$2.75 billion and will include an initial four (4) F-35B platforms with options for eight (8) more units, up to 13 Pratt and Whitney F135 engines including a spare, electronic warfare systems, C4I/CNI systems, and several other combat and supporting equipment, logistics, tools and training and other inclusions.

The US considers Singapore as a strategic friend and Major Security Cooperation Partner in the Asia Pacific region, and the sale of the fighters will not alter basic military balance in the region.

As the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) already has an earlier order of F-35A Lightning II JSF in conventional take-off and landing configuration, the US expects them to easily absorb the F-35B into the force.

With an approval from the US State Department, it has notified the US Congress of the potential sale. It will still be dependent on Singapore’s government if it will pursue the deal to acquire the F-35B STOVL fighters.

Singapore previously confirmed its intentions to look at the F-35B which would allow the RSAF to operate the fighters even when its air bases are damaged, as the aircraft can operate discreetly from short roads or remote areas due to its STOVL capability.


[1] US DSCA
[2] Defense News