Singapore to Join F-35 Club as Asia-Pacific Fleet Set to Exceed 300 Jets by 2030

Singapore is poised to become the fourth Asia-Pacific nation to operate the fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet, with its first Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II scheduled to enter service later this year.

The induction marks a major milestone for the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and underscores the rapid expansion of F-35 operations across the Asia-Pacific region.

Over 300 F-35s Expected in Asia-Pacific by 2030

Speaking at the Singapore Airshow 2026, Steve Sheehy, Lockheed Martin’s Vice President for Aeronautics International Business Development, projected that more than 300 F-35 aircraft will be operating in the region by 2030.

This total includes U.S. Air Force and Navy F-35s stationed in Japan and Alaska, highlighting the aircraft’s growing role in regional deterrence and power projection.

Australia and Japan Lead Regional F-35 Fleets

Australia currently fields 72 F-35A fighters, with the final aircraft delivered in December 2024, making it the largest F-35 operator outside the United States—for now.

That distinction is expected to shift to Japan once the Japan Air Self-Defense Force completes deliveries of 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. Japan received its first four F-35B aircraft last year, signalling its move toward enhanced expeditionary and carrier-based airpower.

South Korea Expands Its Stealth Fighter Force

South Korea has already taken delivery of 40 F-35A fighters and has 20 additional aircraft on order, reinforcing its air combat capabilities amid persistent regional security pressures.

Singapore’s F-35 Acquisition Plan in Detail

Singapore’s F-35 programme began with a 2019 order for four F-35Bs, which are due to be delivered before the end of this year. These aircraft will initially operate from Ebbing Air National Guard Base, before transitioning to Tengah Air Base around 2029.

The RSAF has also ordered eight additional F-35Bs, scheduled for delivery in 2028. In February 2024, Singapore expanded its order with eight F-35A variants, expected to arrive by 2030. Once complete, the RSAF will operate 20 F-35s across two variants.

Operational Roles of F-35A and F-35B Variants

Major General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force for the RSAF, explained the rationale behind operating both variants:

“The F-35As, with greater endurance and higher payload capacity, will provide sustained reach and persistence, while the F-35Bs with short take-off and vertical-landing capability will offer greater operational agility.”

This mixed fleet approach allows Singapore to maximise flexibility despite its limited geographic depth.

RSAF Dominance in Southeast Asia

Combined with 40 F-15SG fighters and approximately 60 upgraded F-16C/Ds in the F-16V configuration, Singapore’s air force now eclipses every other Southeast Asian nation in terms of air combat capability.

The integration of stealth, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare further cements the RSAF’s qualitative edge in the region.

F-35 Sustainment Infrastructure in Asia-Pacific

Of the four global F-35 heavy maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, two are located in the Asia-Pacific—one in Australia and one in Japan. The remaining facilities are in Italy and the United States, reflecting the region’s growing centrality to F-35 operations.

Production Outlook and Limited New Customers

Sheehy revealed that Lockheed Martin delivered a record 191 F-35s last year, a figure inflated by delays related to Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) upgrades. With the backlog now cleared, the company expects to deliver 156 aircraft this year.

However, prospects for additional Asia-Pacific customers remain limited. Recent bids from Taiwan and Thailand were rejected, although interest from India was encouraged last year by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Strategic Implications

Singapore’s entry into the F-35 operator community highlights a broader regional trend toward fifth-generation airpower, interoperability with U.S. forces, and enhanced deterrence in an increasingly contested Indo-Pacific security environment.