The Singapore defense minister Dr Ng Eng Hen has announced that the Republic of Singapore Air Force will buy eight F-35A jets, during a recent parliamentary budget session.
This is on adds to the RSAF’s two previous orders of 12 F-35Bs and will expand its fleet of fifth-generation US-made fighter aircraft to 20, the additional aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2030.
The RSAF’s fleet of 12 F-16s are currently located at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona for training but will be transferred to Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas beginning in 2023, with its F-35Bs following in 2026.
The USAF has announced that Ebbing ANGB has been designated the primary training center for all F-35 aircraft acquired by Foreign Military Sale customers and the new facility will be able to support up to 36 aircraft.