Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing meets US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in Washington D.C. to strengthen bilateral cooperation and address regional security issues.
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing met US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on 10 September 2025. Both leaders reaffirmed the longstanding and mutually beneficial defence partnership between Singapore and the United States, and reiterated their commitment to deepen cooperation.
Mr Chan expressed Singapore’s support for the US’ continued engagement in the Asia-Pacific, referencing the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was last renewed in 2019 by President Donald Trump and then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. The two sides also exchanged views on regional and global security developments.
During the meeting, Mr Chan outlined Singapore’s plans to acquire four Boeing P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft as part of the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) ongoing modernisation efforts. These aircraft will enhance maritime situation awareness and strengthen capabilities against sub-surface threats, replacing the ageing Fokker 50s that have been in service since 1993. He also provided an update on the production of Singapore’s 20 F-35 aircraft, which are on track for delivery from end-2026.
Mr Chan conveyed Singapore’s appreciation for the US’ longstanding support for SAF training on American soil, including large-scale exercises such as Exercise Forging Sabre in Idaho and the upcoming Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) training detachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas.
Both leaders also welcomed greater collaboration in emerging areas, including joint research and development to address new security challenges. The refreshed Combating Terrorism Research and Development Memorandum of Agreement will enable both countries to explore advanced technologies to counter terrorism.
While in Washington D.C., Mr Chan will also meet Deputy National Security Advisor Andy Baker, US Secretary of the Air Force Dr Troy E. Meink, US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, and members of Congress.
Source: MINDEF
