The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will acquire three Gulfstream G550 maritime surveillance aircraft to strengthen its maritime security capabilities, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Thursday (27 Feb).

Speaking at the Committee of Supply Debate 2026, Chan said the acquisition forms part of Singapore’s efforts to modernise its armed forces and maintain credible deterrence.

“Having robust conventional capabilities remains core to a strong and credible deterrence,” he said. “We must continue to modernise and upgrade them to keep pace with the threats around us. For example, the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will acquire three Gulfstream G550-Maritime Surveillance Aircraft to complement the Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft. This supports the SAF’s mission in safeguarding Singapore’s Sea Lines of Communication as part of Singapore’s maritime security surveillance network.”

The new G550 maritime surveillance aircraft (G550-MSA) will complement four Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, a maritime patrol and reconnaissance variant derived from the Boeing 737-800 platform.

The RSAF already operates four G550 Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) aircraft, advanced surveillance and command-and-control platforms modified by Israel Aerospace Industries. The incoming G550-MSAs, together with the P-8As, will replace five F50 maritime patrol aircraft currently in service.

Singapore’s defence ministry has said the upgrades are intended to enhance the Singapore Armed Forces’ ability to monitor and secure the country’s maritime approaches and key sea lines of communication. 

Source: Singapore’s defence ministry