Singapore and the United States have abandoned plans to base up to 12 RSAF F-15 fighter jets permanently in Guam, the Singapore Ministry of Defense confirmed Tuesday. The decision follows a joint review of training requirements and comes after the US Air Force formally stated in July that it would not implement or continue with the proposed deployment.

Original Deployment Plans

The 2019 agreement aimed to bolster Singapore’s air defense readiness by placing F-15s in Guam, a strategic location allowing rapid redeployment. The plan included building new facilities at Andersen Air Force Base, relocating 205 permanent personnel with 35 dependents, and bringing in an additional 200 personnel for periodic exercises.

However, a US environmental impact statement earlier this year noted concerns from Guam residents about noise, environmental degradation, and strain on housing. The Air Force acknowledged the “negative effects of military housing needs” on local availability and affordability but did not confirm whether these factors drove the decision.

Continued Cooperation

Despite the cancellation, Singapore will maintain short-term fighter training in Guam, including a detachment later this year. The two nations are also advancing their partnership with the establishment of a new training detachment at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas, which will host Singapore’s F-35 fleet.

Singapore’s air force currently operates training detachments at 18 locations worldwide, a network designed to sustain operational proficiency despite the city-state’s limited airspace.