Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Response Improvement Due to RSAF’s Acquisition of Maritime Patrol Aircraft and Jets

Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence in respect of RSAF’s acquisition of four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircrafts and 20 F-35 jets (a) how will such procurements augment Singapore’s current capability on maritime security to respond to emerging threats and risks; and (b) how will SAF ensure that logistics, training and interoperability with key allies are adequately supported.

Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

Our maritime security environment is increasingly complex. The P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) will strengthen the the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF’s) maritime situational awareness and ability to counter sub-surface threats. The acquisition of the P-8A MPA is part of a broader upgrade to Singapore’s maritime security surveillance network, and additional complementary platforms will be announced in the future.

The F-35 acquisition is part of the Ministry of Defence’s (MINDEF’s)/SAF’s long-term strategy to build up the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF’s) future fighter fleet, which will comprise a diversified fleet of F-35As, F-35Bs and F-15SGs. Both the F-35As and F-35Bs have advanced sensor suites, while the F-35Bs provide an additional short take-off and vertical landing capability. They complement the F-15SGs to maintain a strong fighter fleet to meet our operational requirements and safeguard our skies.

MINDEF/SAF’s capability acquisition approach for the F-35s and P-8As caters for the platforms’ logistics and life cycle needs. For example, to assure long-term supportability, we account for the acquisition of spare parts, engineering support by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and the establishment of local maintenance capability.

The capability acquisition approach also ensures that our personnel will be trained well. For example, the initial batch of F-35 pilots will be trained by qualified United States Air Force (USAF) F-35 instructors. The RSAF will also establish a new training detachment in Ebbing Air National Guard Base to train alongside other partner nations operating the F-35s. Additionally, the SAF’s P-8A and F-35 operators will have opportunities to train in exercises with partner nations who operate the same platforms. The specific training plans for the P-8A operators are currently being developed.