The US Department of Defense (DoD) said that Singapore asked to buy four planes, with the option of eight more as well as up to 13 aircraft engines, electronic warfare suites, and various support services. According to figures cited in the 2019 Singapore Budget debate, the F-35B – the most complex and expensive amongst the three Joint Strike Fighter variants – costs around $115 million.
The acquisition of America’s most advanced warplane will mark a quantum leap in capability for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) as a whole. The F-15 Eagles and F-16 Falcons currently in RSAF service are considered fourth-generation aircraft, while the F-35 is a fifth-generation asset. Indeed, the Lightning II is slated to replace the Falcon, which is continually being upgraded, but which could face obsolescence post2030. Moreover, the procurement of the Lightning II would not only make the RSAF the first South-east Asian air force to owe a 5G fighter capability, but also a true stealth aircraft.
This story is from the February 2020 edition of Asian Military Review.
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This story is from the February 2020 edition of Asian Military Review.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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