U.S. Approves P-8A Patrol Aircraft and Torpedo Sale to Singapore
The United States State Department has approved a possible $2.316 billion Foreign Military Sale to Singapore for P-8A maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, MK 54 lightweight torpedoes, and associated systems, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said as it formally notified Congress of the decision.
According to the certification delivered to lawmakers, the Government of Singapore has requested up to four P-8A Poseidon aircraft along with eight MK 54 MOD 0 lightweight torpedoes and a wide range of mission systems, sensors, and support equipment. The proposed sale also includes seven Guardian laser transmitter assemblies and seven system processors for the AN/AAQ-24(V)N infrared countermeasures system, each equipped with selective availability anti-spoofing modules.
The package includes mission software, MX-20HD electro-optical and infrared systems, AN/APY-10 maritime surveillance radars with Global Positioning System capability, AN/AQQ-2(V) acoustic processing systems, missile warning sensors, ALQ-213 electronic warfare management systems, and Identification Friend or Foe transmitters. Additional items include countermeasures dispensers, cryptographic equipment, key loaders, spare engines, training devices, engineering services, publications, classified and unclassified software, and long-term logistics and program support.
As noted by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the sale is intended to support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a strategic partner in Asia. Singapore is described as an important force for political stability and economic progress in the region, with close defense ties to the United States.
The P-8A Poseidon is a multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft based on the Boeing 737 airframe and operated by the U.S. Navy and several allied countries. It is designed for long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence collection, and maritime surveillance missions. Equipped with advanced radar, acoustic sensors, and data links, the aircraft plays a central role in tracking submarines and surface vessels across wide ocean areas.
The inclusion of MK 54 lightweight torpedoes provides Singapore with an air-launched anti-submarine capability compatible with the P-8A platform. The torpedoes, most of which will be drawn from U.S. Navy stocks, are designed for both deep and shallow water operations and are widely used by U.S. and allied forces.
According to the agency, the proposed sale will improve Singapore’s ability to address current and future maritime threats by fielding a credible patrol and strike capability. It will also enhance interoperability with U.S. and allied forces during joint and coalition operations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region where maritime domain awareness remains a priority for regional security.
U.S. officials stated that Singapore will have no difficulty integrating the aircraft and systems into its armed forces, and that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region. No offset agreements are currently known to be associated with the potential deal, and any such arrangements would be negotiated directly between Singapore and the contractor.
The principal contractor for the aircraft will be The Boeing Company of Arlington, Virginia. Numerous other U.S. firms under contract with the U.S. Navy will supply components, subsystems, and engineering services throughout the program’s execution.
The approval comes as the United States continues to expand defense cooperation with key partners in Southeast Asia amid increased naval activity and competition in regional waters.