Singapore, US scrap plans for F-15 fighter jet training in Guam
The planned deployment, which would have been Singapore’s fourth training detachment on US territory, was set to begin in 2029
This followed an earlier statement from the US Air Force that it would not proceed with hosting the 12 F-15 aircraft at Andersen Air Force Base, even after completing an environmental review and – according to media in Guam – the commencement of major construction to expand the base by about 209 acres (85 hectares).
Infrastructure upgrades at the base will continue, but the US will not “implement or carry forward the beddown” of the 12 aircraft “nor associated aircraft airfield operations to include temporary support aircraft, and RSAF personnel or their families”, according to a record of the decision dated July 16, and signed by Michael E. Saunders, acting assistant secretary of the US Air Force.
Responding to queries from This Week in Asia, Singapore’s Defence Ministry said that both countries had “mutually agreed to discontinue discussions on a RSAF fighter training detachment in Guam” following a review of the air force’s training needs.