Singapore is set to acquire additional AGM-114R Hellfire missiles after the United States approves a proposed arms sale. The US State Department says it has cleared the potential transfer of 24 Hellfire missiles to Singapore, along with related support services and equipment. This would bring Singapore’s total for the current package to 67 missiles. The State Department also states the transfer and accompanying arms support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The missiles are precision air-to-ground weapons manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Singapore’s Ministry of Defence is the Singapore agency involved in the acquisition. The announcement comes in the context of Singapore operating AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, which can be armed with Hellfire missiles.
While the US characterization emphasizes regional balance, other reporting describes the purchase as a routine replenishment and training-related procurement by Singapore to maintain its existing capabilities. Some outlets also report a higher total value for the broader defence package when factoring in related items and services, including a figure of about US$28.9 million.
