Ebbing-Arkansas Selected to Host Singapore’s F-16s and F-35s

05 Juni 2021

Refer to the Arkansas ANG’s Public Affairs Office said that Singapore’s fleet of 12 F-16s is expected to begin arriving in 2023, and its first of up to 12 F-35Bs are to follow in 2026 (photo : Chris Kennedy)

Singapore and US Announce Basing of RSAF's F-16 and F-35B Fighter Training in the US

The United States (US) Department of Defense (DoD), in consultation with the Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), has selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base at Fort Smith, Arkansas, as the preferred location to host the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s future F-35B fighter aircraft and F-16 fighter training detachment which will be relocated from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, in Continental US (CONUS). Selfridge Air National Guard Base at Harrison Township, Michigan, has been established as an alternate location. An environmental impact assessment will be conducted to assess suitability before the basing decision is finalised. MINDEF would like to express appreciation to the leaders and communities of the two basing locations for their strong support for the RSAF's presence in CONUS.

Ebbing Air National Guard Base was shortlisted following careful feasibility studies between the RSAF and the US Air Force (USAF), which included factors such as suitability of location and training area, infrastructure and logistics support. The co-location of the RSAF F-16s and F-35Bs will also maximise opportunities for integrated training. The RSAF also looks forward to enhanced joint training and exchanges with the USAF's and US Marine Corps' F-35s. Such overseas training is important for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to overcome local airspace constraints and to conduct high-end realistic training.

MINDEF and the US DoD interact regularly through military-to-military exchanges, training and courses, and defence technology cooperation. The US has provided long-standing support for the SAF's overseas training in the US. In 2019, both countries also renewed the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Regarding US Use of Facilities in Singapore through the Protocol of Amendment and signed an MOU concerning the establishment of the RSAF's Training Detachment at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam.

(Sing Mindef)