iscover
Singapore will acquire four Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft in the first phase of Singapore Armed Forces’ refresh of maritime security capabilities.
Singaporean Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing made the announcement during a meeting with US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon this week.
Both Minister Chan and Secretary Hegseth also reaffirmed the excellent and long-standing bilateral defence relationship and mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the US.
“Chan reiterated Singapore’s support for the US’ continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, in line with the 1990 memorandum of understanding which was renewed in 2019 by President Trump and then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both sides also exchanged views on security developments in the region,” according to the Singaporean Ministry of Defence.
“Chan shared with Secretary Hegseth Singapore’s decision to acquire four Boeing P-8A maritime patrol aircraft … so as to strengthen the SAF’s maritime situation awareness and ability to counter subsurface threats. They will replace the existing Fokker 50s, which have been in service since 1993.
“On the 20 F-35 aircraft that Singapore has acquired, Mr Chan noted that production has commenced and is on track for delivery from end-2026. Mr Chan also thanked Secretary Hegseth for the US’ long-standing support for the SAF’s training in the US, such as for Exercise Forging Sabre in Idaho and the future RSAF training detachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
“Both Mr Chan and Secretary Hegseth also welcomed closer collaboration to deal with emerging threats, such as through joint research and development. For example, the recent refresh of the Combating Terrorism Research and Development Memorandum of Agreement will allow both sides to develop emerging technologies to counter terrorism.”
