F-35B (STOVL) Fighter Jets Meet the Needs of “Land-Sparse” Nations Like Singapore

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Singapore is reportedly set to become one of the first countries in the world to operate the F-35B (Short Take Off Vertical Landing – STOVL) fighter aircraft variant from land-based airfields, rather than from aircraft carriers as is typically done.

Singapore’s decision to operate the F-35B variant has drawn attention from other countries interested in deploying STOVL aircraft from ground-based airfields.

 In February 2023, Singapore announced it would purchase an additional eight F-35B fifth-generation fighter jets from Lockheed Martin, bringing its total fleet to 12.

“The Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces have concluded that the F-35 is the best choice to meet Singapore’s defense needs both now and in the future,” said Singapore’s Defence Minister, Dr. Ng Eng Hen.

In 2019, Singapore announced the acquisition of four F-35 jets, estimated to be worth US$2.75 billion (RM11 billion), according to a statement from the United States government.

 

These four fifth-generation fighters are expected to be delivered to Singapore by 2026, with the remaining eight arriving by the end of the decade.

Japan is also reported to have ordered the F-35B variant for operations from airbases located on islands near its maritime border with China.

Meanwhile, South Korea and Australia operate the F-35A variant, designed for conventional runway operations at airbases.

Singapore’s decision to operate the F-35B STOVL variant is seen as a strategic advantage for the Republic of Singapore Air Force, given the country’s small island geography and operational environment.

 The F-35B’s ability to operate from small airbases, in addition to aircraft carriers, is a significant asset.

Defence Minister Dr. Ng Eng Hen emphasized that the F-35B’s capability to operate far from “high-risk” airbase infrastructure is a crucial element for Singapore, which faces challenges related to its limited land area for large airbases.

 

With an area of just 280 square miles, the F-35B’s ability to “disperse” to various potential airbase locations is vital for Singapore.

The F-35B STOVL variant purchased by Singapore requires a very short runway of approximately 550 feet for takeoff and can land vertically.

 As an island nation with limited land, Singapore recognizes the need for fighter jets that do not rely on long conventional runways, unlike its other fighter aircraft.

The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s current fleet of 60 F-16s and 40 F-15SGs require conventional runways for takeoff and landing.

Due to rapid economic development, Paya Lebar Airbase will be closed after 2030 to make way for economic activities, with air force assets being relocated to Tengah and Changi Airbases.

After 2030, Singapore will have only two airbases.

This presents a dilemma for Singapore’s military, as limited land for military activities has led to the placement of assets in several foreign countries, including the United States, Australia, and Brunei, for training and other purposes.

Starting in 2029, Singapore’s military aircraft will train at the U.S. military base in Guam.

Singapore’s military planners are acutely aware that in the event of a conflict, the airstrips in the republic would likely be targeted by adversaries in an attempt to cripple the air force’s operations.

The selection of the F-35B STOVL variant is a strategic decision, offering Singapore’s military planners greater flexibility since these fighter jets can operate from any location without the need for conventional runways.

From any position in Singapore, the F-35B fighters can launch attacks against enemy targets, even if Tengah and Changi Airbases are incapacitated.

This decision also forces potential adversaries to rethink their strategies for neutralizing Singapore’s air force.

 In the past, destroying the airstrips might have sufficed to cripple Singapore’s air operations.

However, with the F-35B STOVL’s ability to take off and land from any location in Singapore, crippling the air force has become a much more challenging task. – DSA