US Secretary of Defense Pit Hegseth met with the Minister of Defense of Singapore Chan Cong Singe to discuss military cooperation between the two countries and security issues in the Indo-Pacific region.
As reported on the Pentagon website, Hegseth accepted his Singapore colleague in the building of the Ministry of Defense in Washington. During the meeting, he emphasized that relations between the United States and Singapore have “critical significance” for regional stability and maintaining deterrence in the Indo-Tikhookean region.
Hegseth noted that countries have been participating in various joint exercises since 1980 and expressed pride in the fact that more than 1000 Singapore military personnel are undergoing training in the United States. He also added that it is impatiently awaiting the opportunity to accept the Singaporean F-35 pilots in the future.
The minister emphasized that Singapore plans to purchase 20 F-35-12 F-35B and 8 F-35A fighters, the first supply of which is expected in 2026. Arkansas “The beginning of a new path” confirmed the adherence to the promotion of the common interests of the two countries.
as part of the visit of Chan, he will also visit the Forging Saber exercises in Aidaho and the F-35 production plant in Fort Urte, Texas.