Background
In Mar 2019, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) announced the purchase of an initial four F-35B fighter aircraft, with an option to acquire eight more subsequently. Following an extensive and robust evaluation, MINDEF will exercise the option and purchase eight additional F-35Bs, which is necessary to enable the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) to strengthen its next-generation capabilities as part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) 2040 transformation. The F-35Bs will replace the aging F-16s, which will progressively draw down after reaching obsolescence from mid-2030s.
Extensive and Robust Evaluation
After the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) was signed in 2020, MINDEF/SAF's F-35 project team comprising personnel from the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), were given access to F-35 users-only information and facilities to conduct a series of comprehensive and robust evaluations. First, in-depth technical and engineering discussions with the manufacturer and other F-35 users were conducted to better understand and determine the integration of the F-35B into the SAF's warfighting system. Second, the RSAF engaged in training and professional exchanges with other F-35 users, to learn and better harness the full suite of F-35B capabilities. High fidelity F-35 simulators were also used to enhance understanding of the aircraft's characteristics and operational capabilities. Lastly, the project team participated in F-35 conferences and focused study opportunities to glean F-35 best practices from the manufacturer and other F-35 users. These efforts allowed the RSAF and DSTA to fully understand the F-35B's capabilities and its compatibility with the SAF's warfighting systems, before making an informed decision to exercise the option and acquire eight additional F-35Bs.
Capabilities of the F-35B Fighter Aircraft
The key capabilities of the F-35Bs are as follows:
Technical Specifications of the F-35B
Engine |
F135-PW-600 |
Length |
15.6m / 51.2 ft |
Height |
4.36m / 14.3 ft |
Wingspan |
10.7m / 35 ft |
Wing Area |
42.7 m2 / 460 ft2 |
Horizontal Tail Span |
6.65m / 21.8 ft |
Internal Fuel Capacity |
6,125 kg / 13,500 lbs |
Speed |
Mach 1.6 (~1,200 mph) |
Range |
> 1,667 km / 900 nm |
Weapon Payload |
6,800kg / 15,000lb |
Weapons |
- AIM-120 air-to-air missiles - AIM-9 air-to-air missiles - Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) - Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) - Paveway Laser Guided Bombs |
Sensors |
- Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar - Distributed Aperture System (DAS) - Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) - Advanced electronic warfare suite |