The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will not base its fleet of F-15SG jet fighters at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, as previously planned. This decision, announced by the United States Department of the Air Force on August 14, 2025, means that the RSAF will instead conduct periodic short training missions in Guam, with a joint exercise scheduled for October through November.
Originally, the deployment was part of a 2019 memorandum of understanding (MOU) that aimed to establish a long-term fighter training unit for Singaporean personnel and their families in the territory. The plan included the stationing of a dozen F-15 Eagles in Guam but has now been canceled without a specified reason from the Department of the Air Force.
Singapore’s strategic location at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula limits its airspace for military training, necessitating overseas deployment for adequate practice. According to Breaking Defense, the long-term training detachment was anticipated to become operational by the end of the decade.
Short-Term Training to Continue
Despite the cancellation of the long-term deployment, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) of Singapore confirmed that RSAF fighters will still be deployed to Guam for limited training activities. The ministry expressed gratitude for the strong bilateral defense cooperation with the United States and emphasized the importance of training detachments in enhancing the RSAF’s operational capabilities.
MINDEF further stated that the RSAF will collaborate with the US on establishing a new fighter training detachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This facility will be crucial for training on the upcoming Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Singapore plans to acquire a total of 20 F-35s, which include eight conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A models and 12 short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35Bs. The first of the F-35B fighters is expected to be delivered later this year.
Infrastructure Developments Continue in Guam
Even though the RSAF F-15SG Eagles will not be stationed in Guam, infrastructure improvements at Andersen AFB are ongoing. These enhancements include a new aircraft parking apron, upgraded fuel supply systems, and additional buildings, indicating the strategic importance of the base in the US military’s Indo-Pacific operations.
Guam, an unincorporated US territory, continues to play a pivotal role in military strategy, serving as a forward base for operations and a deterrent against potential threats, particularly from China. Currently, approximately 21,000 US military personnel and their families are stationed on the island, including at the newly opened US Marine Corps Camp Blaz.
This shift in deployment strategy reflects ongoing adjustments in military partnerships and operational needs, ensuring that both Singapore and the United States continue to maintain a robust defense posture in the region.
