Aircraft
Singapore Selects F-35, but Opts for Cautious Procurement
As expected by many, Singapore has announced its selection of the F-35 as its F-16 replacement, but is initially only buying a small number for evaluation.
F-35As from the 56th Fighter Wing are commonly seen by the RSAF’s Peace Carvin II F-16 training detachment at Luke AFB, Arizona. (photo: Chen Chuanren)
F-35As from the 56th Fighter Wing are commonly seen by the RSAF’s Peace Carvin II F-16 training detachment at Luke AFB, Arizona. (photo: Chen Chuanren)

The Singapore Ministry of Defence announced on January 18 that its procurement agency, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), has completed a five-year technical evaluation for its F-16 replacement and will procure a “small fleet” of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs for final evaluation.