Singapore pilots in advanced F-35 simulator exercise

Southeast Asian city state poised to become the first regional operator of a fifth-generation fighter.
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) fighter pilots have participated in a US Air Force simulated exercise with the Lockheed Martin F-35, as the city state awaits first deliveries of the type.

The simulator work took place recently at Guam’s Andersen AFB as part of Cope Lightning 26-3 and included pilots from the Republic of Korea Air Force, says the USAF.

The virtual exercise explored defending against cruise missiles as well as the suppression of enemy air defences – exercises that are challenging to replicate with live flying.

The simulators allowed the pilots to cooperate in real time via radio and datalinks, working alongside “geographically separated controllers.”

“As we look to take delivery of our first F-35, it has been very insightful for the RSAF to work alongside the USAF and ROKAF,” says RSAF Major Julian Low, head of the next-generation fighter project office, RSAF Headquarters.

“Sharing best practices on F-35 tactics and drilling repetitions together allows us to work more effectively.”

Cope Lightning 26-3 was held back-to-back with Cope Lightning 26-2, which features the Royal Australian Air Force, Japan Air-Self Defense Force, and USAF.

USAF Col. William Yoakley, commander of the Pacific Air Warfare Centre, says a simulated environment helps pilots rehearse complex, theatre-specific scenarios.

“We’re able to bring in all of our Pacific F-35 allies and partners under a single roof to brief, execute, and debrief together in a way that just cannot be done in the real world during peacetime operations,” he says.

Singapore has orders for 12 short take-off and vertical landing F-35Bs, as well as eight conventional take-off and landing F-35As.The first four F-35Bs are due for delivery in 2026, although they will be initially based at Ebbing air base in Arkansas to support training. Eight more F-35Bs will arrive in 2028, with the F-35As due in the 2030 timeframe.

When its F-35Bs arrive, Singapore will become the first Southeast Asian nation to operate a stealth fighter. It will also become the Asia-Pacific’s fourth F-35 operator after Australia, Japan, and South Korea.

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