Overview

• Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing conveyed the decision to US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth during a Pentagon meeting on Sept. 10 (Singapore time).
• The P-8As are intended to replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s Fokker 50 maritime patrol aircraft that have been in service since 1993.
• MINDEF says the acquisition aims to strengthen maritime situational awareness and the ability to counter sub-surface threats.
• Pricing, delivery schedule, and a formal US Foreign Military Sales notification have not been disclosed.
• MINDEF also noted that production of Singapore’s 20 F-35s has begun, with deliveries on track from the end of 2026.