Singapore to buy more Hellfire missiles after US backs US$22.3 million package

Singapore is set to acquire additional Hellfire missiles after the United States backed a proposed package valued at US$22.3 million.

The US State Department said on Tuesday that it has approved the potential sale of an additional 24 AGM-114R Hellfire missiles to Singapore, along with related support services and equipment, bringing the total package to 67 missiles.

Hellfire missiles are a type of precision air-to-ground weapon manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said the acquisition will support the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) training and operational needs. RSAF’s AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters are armed with Hellfire missiles.

“Mindef/SAF takes a strategic long-term view on our defence acquisitions to ensure that we make prudent and cost-effective decisions that best meet our defence needs, and maintain operational readiness,” the ministry said.