Singapore has raised its defense budget for fiscal year 2025 by 12.4 percent to $17.5 billion. According to a Defense News report, while this adjustment addresses project delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen stated that future growth will be moderated to keep defense spending within 3 percent of the island nation’s gross domestic product.
The budget increase will support major programs for the Singapore Armed Forces. Speaking to lawmakers on the Committee of Supply Debate, Ng noted that while Singapore seeks friendly relations with all, “strong fences” are essential for good neighborly relations.
This defense building includes the Navy’s plans to acquire two additional Type 218SG Invincible-class submarines, increasing its fleet to six. Singapore is also looking at new maritime patrol aircraft to replace its Fokker 50s, with the Airbus C295 and Boeing P-8 Poseidon options.
For the Air Force, eight F-35A fighters will be added to the 12 F-35Bs already ordered. The Army will get a new 8×8 Titan infantry fighting vehicle, and the existing High Mobility Artillery Rocket System will be upgraded for advanced missiles.
To enhance its defenses against drones, Singapore has established a Counter-UAS Development and Operations group. Additionally, the first Multi-Role Combat Vessel designed for unmanned systems is set to launch this year.
These acquisition plans expand on the government’s recent defense initiatives, including an approved $133 million purchase of Raytheon air-to-air missiles, a partnership with Safran to enhance weapon control against asymmetric threats, and a U.S.-Singapore agreement to collaborate on responsible artificial intelligence and data analytics in defense.