U.S. Pentagon chief meets Singapore counterpart on Asia-Pacific security

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on Tuesday to discuss military cooperation and security in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Singapore has long been a cornerstone of U.S. presence and friendship in this part of the world,” Hegseth said, highlighting the partnership’s role in regional stability and deterrence.

Singapore maintains the second-largest permanent foreign military training presence in the continental United States, with almost 1,000 personnel training at any given time.

“We are proud that more than 1,000 of your service members train in the U.S. each year,” Hegseth added.

Chan stressed the long-term benefits of the partnership, saying it allows generations “to work together, to grow up together, and to build the trust that is so necessary.”

Singapore has agreed to purchase 20 F-35 aircraft, including 12 vertical take-off variants and eight conventional models, with first deliveries scheduled for 2026. Singaporean pilots will train at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.

Both countries will also participate in Exercise Forging Sabre at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho this week.

Copied