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

SCMP | July 2, 2026, 2:46 a.m. | Original

The US State Department said that the proposed sale ‘will not alter the basic military balance in the region’

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A model of a Hellfire missile is seen attached under the wing of an MQ-9 Reaper military drone during a demonstration on June 12. Photo: AFP

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.

RSAF AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopters perform an aerial display at the Singapore Airshow in February 2020. Photo: Reuters
RSAF AH-64 Apache Longbow helicopters perform an aerial display at the Singapore Airshow in February 2020. Photo: Reuters

“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.

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