Singapore picks P-8 Poseidon to meet maritime patrol aircraft requirement

 

A P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, this example with the Royal Australian Air Force. Photo c/o RAAF.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) of the Republic of Singapore announced on 10 September 2025 that it will be acquiring four new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft as its next generation maritime patrol aircraft.

The announcement was made by Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing after his meeting with US War Secretary Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon.

The new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, manufactured by US aviation giant Boeing, will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) fleet of five Fokker F50MPA Enforcer II maritime patrol aircraft operated by the 121 Squadron based on Changi Airbase West which have been in service since 1993.

Defence Min. Chan also confirmed on 13 September 2025 that the first batch of P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft could enter service with the RSAF by the early 2030s, and that other platforms might be acquired to complement the P-8 in boosting overall situational awareness.

The Boeing P-8A Poseidon was in contention with another offer from Airbus with their C295MPA turboprop, which has disadvantage in terms of  operating range and endurance, operating altitude, faster transit to operating area, and future proofing.

Signs of the potential acquisition of the P-8A Poseidon was highlighted as early as May 2025 when Singaporean firm ST Engineering signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing on supporting the aircraft type, which includes the potential creation of a regional service center catering to the P-8.

Regional operators of the P-8 Poseidon include fellow Five Power Defence Agreement (FPDA) allies like the Royal Australian Air Force, Royal New Zealand Air Force, and the Royal Air Force, as well as regional air arms including the Indian Air Force and Republic of Korea Air Force, while the US Navy have deployed their P-8A Poseidon aircraft in the region as part of the US Indo-Pacific Command.

[1] The War Zone

[2] Channel News Asia

[3] Naval News

Thailand formalizes order for 4 new Saab JAS-39 Gripen E/F fighters

 

The Saab JAS-39E Gripen fighter. Photo c/o Saab 

Swedish defense company Saab AB has confirmed that it has received a contract from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) for an order of four new JAS-39E/F Gripen fighter aircraft to be delivered to the Kingdom of Thailand.

The order is composed of three JAS-39E single-seat and one JAS-39F two-seat Gripen fighter aircraft, including associated equipment, support and training package.

Saab’s contract is worth SEK5.3 billion (around US$565 million), with deliveries and services expected to be made between 2025 to 2030.

American engine company General Electric also confirmed separately that they will be supplying the GE Aerospace F414 -GE-39E jet engines to Saab to power the four JAS-39E/F Gripens ordered by Thailand.

In a separate note, Saab also signed a contract with the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) for a long-term offset package as part of the acquisition of Gripen fighters, which includes transfer of defense technology, industrial cooperation with Thailand, as well as investments in different sectors of the Thai economy.

Saab competed against American defense company Lockheed Martin which is offering their F-16 Block 70/72 Viper. But previous press releases by the Thai Government indicated that Sweden has provided a more acceptable proposal in terms of price, counter-trade and technology transfer.

The order is believed to be just the initial stage, with Thailand expected to order a total of 12 aircraft to replace some of its ageing F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters. Succeeding orders

The RTAF already has a squadron of 11 of the earlier-variant JAS-39C/D Gripen, as well as two Saab 340 Erieye airborne early warning & control (AEW&C) aircraft. 

[1] Saab AB

[2] GE Aerospace

[3] Breaking Defense