SINGAPORE KEEPS ITS SPEAR TIP SHARP

The modernisation of Singapore’s armed forces is moving into high gear.

Singapore’s intent to maintain one of the most modern defence forces in Asia Pacific was once again emphasised when it won US government approval to procure up to 12 short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. The proposed deal is expected to pass congressional scrutiny with ease, given the island state’s longstanding economic and security partnerships, and paving the way for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to develop its first-ever STOVL capability.

The deal comprises an initial batch of four F-35Bs with an option for up to eight more and is expected to be set to contract later in 2020, and includes up to 13 Pratt & Whitney F135 engines (including one initial spare), communications, electronic warfare (EW), and navigation systems, as well as the Autonomic Logistics Information System (ALIS) maintenance and logistics planning suite, software development and integration, and training equipment. If fully exercised, the total value of the proposed package is valued at an estimated $2.75 billion.

Singapore’s F-35 programme is aimed at seeking a replacement for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) upgraded but ageing fourth-generation Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Fighting Falcon multirole combat aircraft delivered in the early-to-mid 1990s, and is just one of several high-profile acquisitions that the SAF is expected to pursue over the next decade to cement its technological advantages over other regional countries to deter aggression and boost its standing on the world stage.

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen has on several occasions expressed the view that it is imperative that the SAF must exploit cutting-edge technologies including unmanned systems and high-level automation across the board in order to address a projected deficit in manpower, which is projected to lead to a 30 percent reduction in the pool of eligible recruits by 2030.