Mr Leon Perera: To ask the Minister for Defence (a) whether he can provide an update on the progress of the trial using sustainable aviation fuel for F-16 jets as announced in 2021; and (b) whether there are plans to expand the use of sustainable aviation fuel for use in all F-16 jets and other aircraft.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen:

The RSAF has completed a trial on the use of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel for its F-16s. A mixture of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel and conventional Jet propellant fuel resulted in carbon emission reduction of approximately 27%. While no deterioration in engine performance and no fuel-related engine defect were detected, the cost of the blended fuel was three times that of conventional Jet Propellant-8 fuel.

Given the significant escalation in operating cost, the RSAF will not be adopting the use of the blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel for its aircrafts for now. It will monitor market developments and review the case again if prices fall to levels where its requirements can be met in a cost-effective manner.