The push to build Singapore’s “next-generation” military is “progressing well” and will see upgrades to the nation’s land, sea and air forces.

This will include the purchase of state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets and “Invincible”-class submarines; the deploying of new armoured fighting vehicles; and the use of more unmanned platforms by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

“In all, the Next-Generation SAF of 2030 and beyond, with this full complement of assets in air, land and sea, will be able to defend Singapore for another generation,” said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who announced the SAF’s plans during the Ministry of Defence’s (Mindef) Committee of Supply debate in Parliament on Friday (1 March).

“This is the SAF that will take us into and guard our future.”

In the air

View photos (Graphic: Mindef) More

To upgrade the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Mindef will look to replace its current fleet of F-16s – which face “obsolescence post-2030” – with F-35 fighter jets, said Dr Ng.

Mindef will issue a Letter of Request to the United States for the purchase of four F-35s, with the option to purchase eight more if plans proceed further.

Each F-35 will cost between US$90 million (S$122 million) and US$115 million, said Ng, adding that this was comparable to what was paid for Singapore’s current F-15SG fighter jets. Mindef will also work with the US Department of Defence to “optimise operating and maintenance costs”.

Noting that the aircraft’s price had been steadily falling due to healthy orders from the US and 10 other countries, Dr Ng said the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) had deemed it an opportune time for Singapore to put in a purchase request.

“Singapore has the endorsement of both the US Administration and the Department of Defence for our proposed purchase of F-35s,” he added.

“In fact, (US) President (Donald) Trump wrote to (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong) last month welcoming Singapore’s plans to acquire the F-35.”

The RSAF will also take delivery of new helicopters from 2020, including H225M medium-lift and CH-47F heavy-lift choppers.

“These new helicopters will add capacity and be more effective in Search and Rescue or Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations,” Dr Ng said.

At sea

View photos Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen and his wife launching Singapore’s first “Invincible”-class submarine in Kiel, Germany, on 18 February. (PHOTO: Mindef) More

Mindef will replace its current submarine fleet with four new “Invincible”-class submarines – the first of which was launched recently in Germany.

They will feature longer endurance as well as the latest sensors and automated systems developed for use in regional waters. The full fleet is expected to be ready by 2025.

The Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) missile corvettes, which have served since 1989, will also be replaced with new Multi-Role Combat Vessels (MRCVs). Equipped with more air and sea drones, the first of these will be delivered around 2025, with full delivery expected by 2030.

“More than just improving capabilities, the new Multi-Role Combat Vessels will need less manpower, about half the size of that found on other modern frigates,” said Dr Ng.

“This is possible as the Multi-Role Combat Vessels were custom-built for lean manning, aided by technologies which automate many functions such as maintenance.”

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