Contributor - UK

David Donald

By 2035, Lockheed Martin projects that more than 300 of its F-35 stealthy multirole fighters will be based in the Asia-Pacific region, with U.S.-operated aircraft flying from bases there, further swelling the numbers. Singapore is set to be the next nation to join the ranks of regional operators later this year as part of this significant force build-up.
The first four aircraft for the Republic of Singapore Air Force are due to be handed over by the end of 2026, according to a Mindef statement associated with a visit to see Singapore’s first aircraft on the F-35 production line by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing and Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Fan.
Singapore initially announced the acquisition of four of the F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing variant in 2019 and subsequently added a further eight units. In February 2024, eight F-35A conventional takeoff and landing versions were added, bringing the total to 20. The aircraft are ultimately due to be based at Tengah, although initial deliveries will most likely go to the training facility at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The follow-on batch of eight F-35Bs is expected in 2028, with the Tengah base reported to begin operations in the following year. The eight F-35As are slated for delivery by 2030.
Australia was the first Asia-Pacific nation to acquire the type, receiving its 72nd and final F-35A in December 2024. The fleet—comprising three squadrons and a training unit based at Tindal and Williamtown—declared full operational capability last year. For the time being, Australia has the largest F-35 fleet outside of the U.S.
That position is eventually to be assumed by Japan, which has 105 F-35Bs and F-35As in the process of delivery to be based at Komatsu, Misawa, and Nyutabaru. South Korea has 60 aircraft in three squadrons at Cheongju.
To support the Asia-Pacific fleet, there are heavy maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities in Japan and Australia. These can perform the Tech Refresh 3 update that is being implemented to bring all F-35s to a common standard. The upgrade adds new computers with greater power that will facilitate the Block 4 capability upgrade software package.

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