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Minister for Defence and US Secretary of War Reaffirm Commitment to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
10 September 2025
Minister Chan and Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, and mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the US.
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on 10 September 2025 (Singapore time).
During the meeting, Mr Chan and Secretary Hegseth reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding bilateral defence relationship, and mutually beneficial partnership between Singapore and the US. Mr Chan reiterated Singapore’s support for the US’ continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, in line with the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which was renewed in 2019 by President Trump and then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Both sides also exchanged views on security developments in the region.
Mr Chan shared with Secretary Hegseth Singapore’s decision to acquire four Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft in the first phase of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) refresh of our maritime security capabilities, so as to strengthen the SAF’s maritime situation awareness and ability to counter sub-surface threats. They will replace the existing Fokker 50s, which have been in service since 1993.
On the 20 F-35 aircraft that Singapore has acquired, Mr Chan noted that production has commenced and is on track for delivery from end-2026. Mr Chan also thanked Secretary Hegseth for the US’ longstanding support for the SAF’s training in the US, such as for Exercise Forging Sabre in Idaho, and the future RSAF training detachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
Both Mr Chan and Secretary Hegseth also welcomed closer collaboration to deal with emerging threats, such as through joint research and development. For example, the recent refresh of the Combating Terrorism Research and Development Memorandum of Agreement will allow both sides to develop emerging technologies to counter terrorism.
While in Washington D.C., Mr Chan will meet Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker, US Secretary of Air Force Dr Troy E. Meink, US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, as well as members of Congress.
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