Strana 24
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE AIR FORCE
A little-known chapter is the standard of the
domestic aviation industry, where extensive
international cooperation is established here
as well. Here, it is necessary to highlight
above all the steady growth in the volume
of orders, which makes it one of the most
important markets in the Southeast Asian
region. Singapore has also launched dozens of
smaller satellites into orbit, something little
is known about. Probably the most significant
subject of the aeronautical industry concerns
the company ST Engineering Aerospace, which
provides routine maintenance and repairs of
aircraft technology. Another example is SIA
Engineering Company with a similar scope of
activity.
If we focus on the future development of the
Singapore Air Force, the primary intention is to
acquire the fifth-generation Lockheed-Martin
F-35 fighter, in its variant A (eight land-based
versions), but surprisingly also in its F-35B
form. This is intended for operations from short
runways and was designed for deployment
off aircraft carriers. Twelve of these aircraft
are to be delivered. The first deliveries are
planned for the end of this year. This will place
Singapore among the few elite countries with
fifth-generation aircraft in the Asia-Pacific
region.
For maritime patrolling, both the Boeing
P-8A and the Gulfstream G550 are expected to
replace the old Fokker 50ME2. The transport
aircraft are then to be supplemented with the
European Airbus C-295. In the same way, other
unmanned means are to be delivered based on
an assessment of current armed conflicts.
In conclusion, we can only evaluate the
Singapore Air Force positively and cannot
help but admire it. Over the course of several
decades, it has become a relevant fighting force
in the region, with significant future potential.
Likewise, the capabilities of the domestic
industry and widely established international
cooperation cannot be underestimated.
A Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker 50 lands
at Singapore Changi Airport on December 8, 2012.
Photo: Steven Byles
A Republic of Singapore Air Force Eurocopter
AS332 Super Puma conducts deck-landing
qualications aboard the dock landing ship
USS Harpers Ferry (LSD-49) during the Singa-
pore phase of Cooperation Aoat Readiness
and Training (CARAT) 2007.
Photo: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communica-
tion Specialist 3rd Class Mark R. Alvarez
Members of the Singapore Armed Forces prepare to board a C-130 Hercules at Multinational Base
Tarin Kowt, Afghanistan, on June 22, 2013. The aircraft was scheduled to transport the troops out
of the country following the conclusion of Singapore’s military mission in Afghanistan.
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by SGT Jessi McCormick
A Republic of Singapore Air Force Gulfstream G550 ELINT/CAEW aircraft
at Singapore Airshow 2020.
Photo: Alec Wilson
INFO Eduard24
September 2026