The Stealth Race: How Fifth-Generation Fighters are Redefining Southeast Asian Air Power
The aerial landscape of Southeast Asia is on the verge of a seismic shift. For decades, the region relied on fourth-generation platforms, but a new era of stealth technology is arriving. With Singapore leading the charge and Vietnam preparing its own strategic leap, the balance of power is transitioning toward fifth-generation capabilities.
This transition isn’t just about faster jets; it’s about “invisible” warfare, where sensor fusion and low-observable technology determine who controls the skies.
Singapore’s Phased Approach to Stealth Dominance
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is executing a meticulously phased acquisition of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Rather than a bulk purchase, Singapore is integrating different variants to maximize operational flexibility.
The F-35B: Agility and Flexibility
The first wave consists of the F-35B, the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant. An initial batch of four aircraft is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. These jets provide the RSAF with the ability to operate from shorter runways or austere environments, which is critical given Singapore’s compact geography.
To ensure a seamless transition, initial operations will capture place at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in the US, where pilots and maintainers will train before the aircraft relocate to Tengah Air Base around 2029.
The F-35A: Reach and Persistence
Following the B-variant, Singapore has added eight F-35As to its order book, with deliveries expected by 2030. These aircraft offer greater endurance and higher payload capacity, providing the sustained reach necessary for long-range persistence.
Combined with an additional eight F-35Bs due in 2028, the RSAF will eventually operate a total of 20 F-35s. This stealth fleet will complement their existing 40 F-15SG fighters and approximately 60 F-16V aircraft.
Vietnam’s Strategic Pivot: The Sukhoi Su-57 Felon
Even as Singapore looks to the West, Vietnam is exploring a different path to maintain the regional balance of power. Hanoi is reportedly eyeing the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon to close the technological gap.
Modernizing a Soviet Legacy
Vietnam’s current air fleet is heavily dependent on Russian technology, but much of it is aging. The acquisition of the Su-57 is seen as a way to retire outdated Soviet-era aircraft, including 12 Su-27 superiority fighters and roughly 30 Su-22 attack aircraft.
Even the more modern Su-30MK2 fleet faces the risk of obsolescence when compared to advanced threats like China’s J-20 or the F-35s appearing in the Pacific.
The Su-57M1 and the South China Sea
Vietnam is predicted to target the Su-57M1 variant for export in the early 2030s. This version features the AL-51F-1 engine, enabling “supercruise”—the ability to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2 without using afterburners, which increases efficiency and reduces the heat signature.
With AESA radar and advanced sensor fusion, the Su-57 would allow Vietnam to conduct long-range patrols over disputed areas of the South China Sea directly from the mainland, offering far superior detection capabilities than the current Su-30MK2.
Comparing the Stealth Philosophies
The divergence between Singapore’s F-35 and Vietnam’s potential Su-57 reflects two different strategic needs:
- Operational Versatility: Singapore’s F-35B emphasizes STOVL capabilities for agility in constrained spaces.
- Long-Range Presence: Vietnam’s interest in the Su-57 emphasizes long operational range and high-speed supercruise for maritime patrolling.
- Combat Provenance: While the F-35 is a global standard, the Su-57’s appeal has grown following its deployment in Ukraine for precision strikes and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) missions.
For more on the technical specifications of stealth platforms, see the MINDEF Fact Sheet on F-35A capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country will be the first in ASEAN to have stealth fighters?
Singapore is set to be the first, with the first F-35B fighters expected to enter service by the end of 2026.
What is the difference between the F-35A and F-35B?
The F-35B is designed for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), offering greater agility. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing variant, featuring higher payload capacity and greater endurance.
Why is Vietnam considering the Su-57?
Vietnam seeks to replace its aging Su-27 and Su-22 fleets and counter the emergence of fifth-generation fighters like the J-20 in the region, utilizing a platform that integrates with its existing Russian-based military ecosystem.
When will Vietnam likely acquire the Su-57?
Reports suggest Vietnam is targeting the early 2030s, specifically awaiting the export-ready Su-57M1 variant.
What do you reckon about the shift toward stealth fighters in Southeast Asia? Will this lead to a new arms race or a more stable balance of power? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into regional defense.
Read more: Russia Offers Su-57E as Modernization Solution for Su-30 Users
