THE GENERATION GAME

The selection of the F-35 by US defence partners in Asia shows how seriously the perceived threat from China’s own fifth-generation Chegdu J-20 is being taken.

-  Alan Warnes

The only fifth generation fighter currently serving in Asia is the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. It sits at the forefront of air combat technology, and is the reason why Australia, Japan and South Korea have opted for it. But not everyone, such as Taiwan, can either afford or be a suitable customer for the F-35. Even if the United States agreed to sell to the Taiwanese armed forces, which is doubtful, there would be a massively adverse reaction from China.

Last January, the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced it was set to purchase ‘a small number’ of F-35s for a full evaluation of the jet’s capability and suitability before opting for a full fleet. The following month, Singapore’s Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen told parliament, “We will replace the F-16s with the F-35 post 2030 and our initial letter of request [LOR] covers a purchase of four with an option for eight more if required.” On 9 January, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to Singapore of up to 12 F-35B Short Take Off Vertical Landing variant at a cost of $.2.75 billion.

Many nations aware of the resurgent China and on-off threats from North Korea are on their guard, and mindful of China’s own fifth generation fighter, the Chengdu J-20 now serving in the first operational unit. With its advanced sensors and data fusion, the F-35 can gather information and share it with other aircraft, ships and troops on the ground better than ever before. Enhancing an air force’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness is the name of the game today.

Australia