After committing to STOVL F-35Bs, Singapore will now buy conventional takeoff and landing F-35As as part of its modernization drive.
www.twz.com
Some interesting things to note:
1. “On the other hand, he warned that other projects may have to be “deprioritized” to cover the F-35A costs. “But we’ve done our calculations, and we think that this is the best time to put [in] the order for the F-35As,” Dr. Ng added.”
Even though their 2024–2025 defense spending grow 2.5%, they possibly still need to deprioritize something for F-35A.
2. “In the past, Singapore sought to deploy a new Joint Multi-Mission Ship (JMMS) that was expected to feature a full-length flight deck, primarily for helicopters, although there were suggestions that limited F-35B operations might also be feasible. The JMMS has now given way to a more modest Landing Ship Tank Replacement for the country’s four
Endurance class landing platform docks. There are no signs of any plans to embark F-35Bs.”
3. “Going further down the road, Singapore could explore Collaborative Combat Air and would probably be keen to study the ongoing programs in Australia and the United States,” Choo contends. “This will certainly help as the city-state grapples with declining birthrates while providing combat mass.”
Loyal wingman possibility. They are studying ongoing programs in Australia (Boeing Ghost Bat?) and US.
jewishinsider.com
