Singapore Seeks to Join Sixth-Generation GCAP Fighter Program

Singapore has expressed interest in joining the sixth-generation fighter program.

Janes reported the development.

Singapore has begun preliminary discussions on possible participation in GCAP. At this stage, the talks are exploratory and do not indicate any future orders or a decision to join the program.

As of August 4, no official public statements regarding Singapore’s interest in the project had been made.

GCAP currently comprises the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, while Canada joined as an observer on July 21.

Singapore typically takes years to assess the requirements of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), the country’s long-term strategic objectives, and its technological and industrial capabilities before making procurement decisions.

The same approach was followed with previous fighter aircraft purchases. Singapore became a Security Cooperation Participant (SCP) in the Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) program in 2004, but did not place any orders until 2020.

Singapore’s fighter jet fleet currently consists of 40 F-15SG Strike Eagles, ordered in the early 2000s under Singapore’s Next Generation Fighter (NGF) program, as well as 49 F-16C/D aircraft in various configurations delivered between 1998 and 2004.

This approach is also reflected in the current F-35 program timeline, under which Singapore is expected to receive its first aircraft this year — more than two decades after the official launch of the Joint Strike Fighter program. Singapore could potentially join GCAP as an observer.

Considering GCAP alongside the introduction of the F-35 indicates long-term planning for the structure of Singapore’s armed forces rather than an immediate replacement of its fighter fleet. Singapore is likely assessing how fifth-generation aircraft, sixth-generation aircraft, and unmanned systems could coexist within a multilayered future combat architecture.

Singapore’s air force will also be reinforced with four U.S.-made Boeing P-8A Poseidon patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, whose sale was approved by the U.S. government on January 21.