News Releases
Minister for Defence Reaffirms Commitment to Acquiring 20 F-35 Fighter Aircraft; Singapore’s First F-35 On Track for Delivery in End-2026
12 September 2025
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing visited Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas on 12 September (Singapore time), where Singapore’s F-35 fighter aircraft are being built.
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing visited Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production facility in Fort Worth, Texas on 12 September (Singapore time).
At the facility, Mr Chan visited the Lockheed Martin production line where Singapore’s F-35 fighter aircraft are being built. Singapore’s first of 20 F-35 fighter aircraft is on track for delivery in end-2026. Speaking at the event, Mr Chan said, “This is not just a milestone, but one step in a long journey that we will take together with Lockheed Martin, our partners in the US Government, the US Air Force, and the community in Ebbing – because every one of us needs to come together in order for this capability to be realised… I want to express my deep appreciation to all of you for making this possible. Without your dedication and support, we will not be here.” Accompanied by Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan, Mr Chan was also briefed on the F-35 programme, its capabilities, and production process during the visit.
The F-35 acquisition is part of the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces’ long-term strategy to build up the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s future fighter fleet, which will comprise a diversified fleet of F-35As, F-35Bs and F-15SGs to meet our operational requirements and maintain a strong fighter fleet to safeguard Singapore’s skies.
Mr Chan is in the US for his introductory visit from 9 to 13 September (Singapore time) and will be visiting the SAF personnel who are in Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, for Exercise Forging Sabre 2025.