US approves S$2.95 billion sale of aircraft, torpedoes & other equipment to S'pore

The United States has approved a US$2.31 billion (S$2.95 billion) sale of maritime patrol aircraft, lightweight torpedoes and related equipment to Singapore, in a move that deepens defence cooperation between the two strategic partners.

Approval by U.S. State Department

The U.S. State Department has formally made a determination greenlighting the sale of up to four Boeing P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, eight MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes, and a wide array of mission systems, support equipment and training to Singapore, according to a statement made by The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The new Boeing aircraft are equipped with anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

It also possesses advanced radar and communication systems and may be fitted with life rafts and survival kits, making it suitable for search, locate and rescue operations.

In addition to the aircraft and torpedoes, the sale package includes:

• Sensor and radar systems, such as AN/APY-10 radar and MX-20HD electro-optical/infrared systems
• Missile warning and countermeasures systems
• Tactical mission software and spares
• Exercise firing assistance, cryptographic equipment, and in-country torpedo training

The principal contractor for the sale will be The Boeing Company while most torpedo hardware is expected to be drawn from U.S. Navy stock.

Singapore’s defence modernisation

Singapore first announced its intention to procure the P-8A aircraft in September 2025, when Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing revealed that the four aircraft would be acquired in the first phase of the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) maritime security capability refresh.

Chan shared the decision during a meeting with then U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Sep. 10, 2025.

The acquisition is intended to replace Singapore’s ageing Fokker-50 maritime patrol aircraft, which have been in service for more than three decades, and is part of a broader effort to enhance situational awareness over critical sea lanes and deter potential threats.

Significance of the sale

According to the DSCA statement, the sale is expected to strengthen Singapore’s ability to address both present and emerging security challenges by enhancing its maritime forces to deter potential adversaries and operate alongside the United States and its allies.

It also supports Singapore’s efforts to bolster national and territorial defence as well as increasing interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, while not altering the basic military balance in the region.

It said:

“The proposed sale will improve Singapore's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible maritime force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in U.S allied operations.

“There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”

The U.S. State Department has also assessed that the SAF will be able to integrate the new equipment without difficulty.

Top image from The Boeing Company