First delivery of F-35 jets to RSAF on track for end-2026: Mindef

The first delivery of F-35 fighter aircraft for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is set to take place at the end of 2026, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said.

- Aqil Hamzah

In a statement on Sept 12, Mindef said the fifth-generation stealth planes will form part of the RSAF's future fighter fleet, which will comprise F-35A, F-35B and F-15SG fighter jets.

The RSAF has acquired a total of 20 F-35 fighter aircraft.

In February 2023, during the debate on his ministry's budget, then Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said Mindef had purchased 12 F-35Bs which have short take-off and vertical landing capability.

This allows them to take off from shorter runways, as well as hover and land like a helicopter.

Four are expected to be delivered in 2026, and the other eight in 2028.