Singapore's Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing reaffirmed the nation's intention to purchase 20 F-35 fighters, with the first one scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026.
On September 12, Chan toured Lockheed Martin's F-35 production plant in Fort Worth, Texas, where Singaporean aircraft are being built. He was accompanied by Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan and heard briefings on the programme, aircraft capabilities, and production process.
The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) stated the purchase is part of the Singapore Armed Forces' long-term plan to have a robust and diversified fleet of fighters. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will have a combination of F-35As, F-35Bs, and F-15SGs to protect national air space and fulfill operational needs.
Chan's U.S. visit, from September 9 to 13, also involves interactions with Singapore Armed Forces personnel participating in Exercise Forging Sabre 2025 at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.