Republic of Singapore Air Force
The Republic of Singapore Air Force operates 231 military aircraft in 2026 โ 100 combat aircraft (fighter and attack jets), 71 helicopters, 24 transport aircraft, 31 trainers. It ranks #28 of 161 air forces worldwide, with 30 more aircraft on order.
Full inventory in 2026
14 aircraft typesRepublic of Singapore Air Force
| Aircraft | Origin | Model year | Active | ฮ YoY | Ordered | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat | ||||||
|
F-16C/D | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1979 | 60 | โ | โ |
|
F-15SG | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1986 | 40 | โ | โ |
|
F-35A/B | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 2013 | โ | โ | +20 |
| Helicopter | ||||||
|
CH-47SD/F | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1962 | 26 | โ | โ |
|
AH-64D | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1984 | 19 | +1 | โ |
|
H225M |
๐ฉ๐ช Germany ๐ซ๐ท France |
2005 | 13 | โ | +3 |
|
S-70 | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1979 | 8 | โ | โ |
|
H120 | ๐ซ๐ท France | 1998 | 5 | โ | โ |
| Transport | ||||||
|
Fokker 50 | ๐ณ๐ฑ Netherlands | 1987 | 9 | โ | โ |
|
A330 MRTT | ๐ซ๐ท France | 2011 | 6 | โ | โ |
|
C-130H | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1956 | 5 | โ | โ |
|
G550 | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 2004 | 4 | โ | โ |
|
G550 MSA | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 2004 | โ | โ | +3 |
| Training | ||||||
|
PC-21 | ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland | 2008 | 19 | โ | โ |
|
M-346 | ๐ฎ๐น Italy | 2015 | 12 | โ | โ |
| UAV | ||||||
|
Hermes 900 | ๐ฎ๐ฑ Israel | 2012 | โ | โ | โ |
| Other | ||||||
|
KC-130B/H | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 1962 | 5 | โ | โ |
|
P-8A | ๐บ๐ธ United States | 2013 | โ | โ | +4 |
Overview
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is structured around five functional commands: Air Defence and Operations Command (ADOC), Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Power Generation Command (APGC), Participation Command (PC), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Command. This organization is designed to create a tightly integrated and networked force capable of conducting a wide spectrum of operations. The command structure ensures unified control over air defense, strike, and support missions, while also facilitating joint operations with the Army and Navy.
Singapore's strategic doctrine is shaped by its geopolitical situation and lack of territorial depth. The RSAF's primary purpose is to provide credible deterrence against any potential aggressor. This posture is underpinned by the capability to achieve air superiority and conduct precision strikes. Doctrinally, there is an implicit understanding that in a conflict, the RSAF would need to act pre-emptively to neutralize threats before they can impact the island nation. A significant portion of its training and assets are based overseas, which provides strategic resilience and access to larger training areas.
To maintain its qualitative edge, a key acquisition of the F-35B STOVL has been made, to addresses Singapore's land constraints by enabling operations from austere locations and damaged runways. This procurement complements a fleet of advanced multi-role fighters and networked support assets like airborne early warning aircraft and multi-role tanker transports.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many aircraft does Singapore have?
How does Singapore's air force rank globally?
How many combat aircraft does Singapore operate?
How many military helicopters does Singapore have?
What is the AIRS Index score of Singapore?
Where does Singapore get its military aircraft from?
- SEP 232026 Updated P-8A Poseidon and G550 maritime surveillance aircraft orders logged
- SEP 232026 Updated Unconfirmed Hermes 900 drone order removed
- SEP 232026 Updated P-8A Poseidon and G550 maritime surveillance aircraft added to the order book, four and three respectively
- SEP 82026 Updated Logged 1 crash and 1 order from 2024
- AUG 202026 Updated First UAV inventory pass: the Hermes 900 acquisition added to the 2026 snapshot (count undisclosed by MINDEF).
- JUL 242026 Updated A330 MRTT fleet entry linked to its aircraft page
- MAR 282026 Updated A330 MRTT fleet entry linked to its aircraft page