Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper and Singapore Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen met on the sidelines of the Reagan National Defense Forum where they discussed a range of issues on the bilateral defense relationship. They affirmed the importance of continuing to enhance our defense partnership following the renewal of the U.S.-Singapore Memorandum of Understanding by President Trump and Prime Minister Lee in September. The Secretary expressed appreciation for the regional access Singapore provides to U.S. forces, and both sides looked forward to further collaboration on U.S. force posture requirements. The Secretary and Minister also discussed regional security challenges and the importance of ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Following the meeting Secretary Esper and Minister Ng signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding establishing a Singapore Air Force permanent fighter training detachment on Guam. The training presence, which will begin around 2029, will consist of approximately a squadron of aircraft and associated personnel, and include the construction of hangars, aprons, and support facilities for the detachment footprint. The Singapore fighter presence on Guam will provide more training and cooperation opportunities that will improve the interoperability of our Air Forces and strengthen U.S.-Singapore defense ties.