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Roundel of Singapore air force
Air Forceยท ๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore

Republic of Singapore Air Force

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 โ€ฆ

Active aircraft
2312026
On order
+23
Combat
100
Helicopters
71
Global Air Force Index
16.2/ 100
The score reflects a fleet of 100 combat aircraft, 71 helicopters and 20 transports out of 231 active airframes, weighted by combat effectiveness.
Fleet Composition โ€” 2026
  • Combat 100 +20
  • Helicopter 71 +3
  • Training 35
  • Transport 20
  • Other 5
ActiveOn order
Fleet Evolution
2020 โ€” 251 251 2020 2021 โ€” 237 237 2021 2022 โ€” 244 244 2022 2023 โ€” 248 248 2023 2024 โ€” 247 247 2024 2025 โ€” 230 230 2025 2026 โ€” 231 231 2026
Origin of Aircraft
Compare this Air Force
๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Singapore vs

Full inventory in 2026

14 aircraft types

Republic of Singapore Air Force

Aircraft Origin Model year Active ฮ” YoY Ordered
Combat
F-16C/D ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1979 60 โ€” โ€”
F-15SG ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1986 40 โ€” โ€”
F-35A/B ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 2013 โ€” โ€” +20
Helicopter
CH-47SD/F ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1962 26 โ€” โ€”
AH-64D ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1984 19 +1 โ€”
H225M ๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France
2005 13 โ€” +3
S-70 ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1979 8 โ€” โ€”
H120 ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France 1998 5 โ€” โ€”
Transport
Fokker 50 ๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฑ Netherlands 1987 9 โ€” โ€”
A330 MRTT ๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France 2011 6 โ€” โ€”
C-130H ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1956 5 โ€” โ€”
Training
PC-21 ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland 2008 19 โ€” โ€”
M-346 ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy 2015 12 โ€” โ€”
G550 ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 2004 4 โ€” โ€”
Other
KC-130B/H ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States 1962 5 โ€” โ€”
ActiveOn order

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?
Republic of Singapore Air Force operates 231 active military aircraft as of the current year. Additionally, 23 aircraft are currently on order.
How does Singapore's air force rank globally?
Republic of Singapore Air Force ranks #25 out of 162 air forces worldwide based on the Global Air Force Index, which measures overall air power capability considering fleet size and combat effectiveness.
How many combat aircraft does Singapore operate?
Singapore operates 100 combat aircraft, including fighters, multirole jets, and attack aircraft. These form the core of its offensive and defensive air capabilities.
How many military helicopters does Singapore have?
Republic of Singapore Air Force operates 71 military helicopters, including attack, transport, and utility rotorcraft used for various combat and support missions.
What is the Air Force Index of Singapore?
Singapore has an Air Force Index score of 16.2 out of 100. This composite score measures overall air power capability, with strategic bombers weighted highest due to their nuclear strike potential, followed by combat aircraft, helicopters, and transport planes.
Where does Singapore get its military aircraft from?
Singapore sources its military aircraft primarily from United States, France, and Switzerland. The fleet composition reflects both domestic production capabilities and international defense partnerships.
Various public data, including Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), Flightglobal.com and official government websites. Last updated on 24 July 2026. Suggest a change
Latest Data Updates
  1. JUL 242026 Updated A330 MRTT relinked to the correct equipment page
  2. MAR 282026 Updated A330 MRTT relinked to the correct equipment page
  3. FEB 202026 Updated 15 aircraft types added
  4. JUN 252025 Updated Air force overview reviewed and updated