Overview

• Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing conveyed the decision to U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon meeting on Sept 10 (Singapore time).
• The four Poseidons form the first phase of a maritime security refresh focused on improving situational awareness and anti-submarine warfare.
• They will replace the RSAF’s Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft, in service since 1993; public data indicates five MPAs are currently operated.
• MINDEF disclosed no price or delivery timeline, and the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has not issued a Foreign Military Sales notice.
• MINDEF also reported that Singapore’s 20 F-35s have entered production, with deliveries expected from the end of 2026.