CHANGI, Republic of Singapore – The U.S. Department of War participated in the Singapore Airshow 2026 (SA2026) with static displays and aircraft tours at the Changi Exhibition Center, Republic of Singapore, Feb. 3-8.
This event is one of the largest defense exhibitions in the Pacific and is a key opportunity for the United States and partner nations to strengthen relations and is the latest in a series of multinational engagements bringing together air chiefs and U.S. military leaders from throughout the region.
“Tradeshows like the Singapore Airshow give the United States an opportunity to build on already strong relationships with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific by showcasing flexible airpower capabilities and enabling meaningful engagement” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Weston Fulfer, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces SA2026 airboss. “These relationships are rooted in shared values and long-standing cooperation, and events like this allow us to reinforce those connections through direct, face-to-face military discussions.”
U.S. Air Force Airmen and U.S. Navy Sailors led tours of U.S. aircraft during the event including the F-35A Lightning II, MQ-9 Reaper, KC-46 Pegasus, and P-8A Poseidon, granting high ranking government and military officials a snapshot of the diverse inventory of the DoW’s aircraft and equipment.
“The P-8A, the Navy’s maritime patrol aircraft, is capable of a wide range of missions, but our bread and butter lies with long-range anti-submarine warfare,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Meghan Reid, Patrol Squadron 45 ‘The Pelicans’ tactical coordinator. “This week our aircrew had the opportunity to prove to our allies and partners, like Singapore who is in the process of acquiring the P-8, that we are experts at our craft, and the P-8A is truly the plane that does it all.“
While supporting the airshow, ‘The Pelicans’ informed potential international buyers of the diverse capabilities of the P-8A and how it enables their team to perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue missions.
Parked nearby to the Poseidon, U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 4th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and Royal Australian Air Force members with the No. 2 Operational Conversion Unit displayed their F-35A Lightning IIs side-by-side, demonstrating both the latest fifth-generation fighter with next-generation stealth, enhanced situational awareness, and reduced vulnerability, as well as the bonds between the U.S. Air Force and RAAF.
“The F-35A represents air dominance; if one F-35 is deadly, then four are unmatchable and the airshow is an opportunity for our unit to connect and network with partner nations that operate or will soon operate the same airframe,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Harry McMahon, 4th EFS pilot. “We aren’t just showcasing a plane; we’re showcasing a future of collective security built on projecting power and maintaining peace by operating as a blanket force in the skies.”
SA2026 also marked the first ever appearance of the MQ-9 Reaper in Singapore; as the majority of the aircraft at the event were manned airframes, it provided an opportunity for the 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron to showcase to the joint force and partners how remotely piloted aircraft systems support joint and bilateral operations.
”The MQ-9's strength lies in its wide range of operation, our presence in an area affects how other nations act knowing they could be under surveillance at any time from anywhere.” said Master Sgt. Ian Samuel, 319th ERS. “On the other hand, a lot of the questions we got from foreign military members here were about our lives in the U.S. Air Force and how our experiences as military members differ from theirs.”
Tradeshows are not only time for the public to experience and learn about aircraft but they also give aircrew the opportunity to intermingle and form bonds between Allies and partners. While 4th EFS F-35A maintainers conducted a subject matter expert exchange with Republic of Singapore Air Force members, New Jersey Guardsmen with the 141st Air Refueling Squadron, operating the KC-46 Pegasus, toured the German Air Force’s A400M .
“It was incredible speaking with the German Air Force, meeting our counterparts over there and seeing how similar their work is to ours,” said Staff Sgt. Justine Milane,141st ARS KC-46 crew chief. “Being here, we’ve connected with the Navy as well, learning about their jobs and the P-8A, teaching them about the KC-46, it’s an excellent reminder that we’re not just Air Force, we’re a joint force.”
Connections made during SA2026 will affect personal and international relationships throughout the rest of the year. The United States continues conducting multinational engagements, like this, to showcase its capabilities, demonstrate commitment and collaboration with regional allies and partners, and increase overall understanding of regional challenges.
“DoW participation in the Singapore Airshow 2026 and other tradeshows builds on strong, enduring partnerships in the region, supporting safety, security, and prosperity across the Indo-Pacific.” said Fulfer.
The tradeshow proved to be an effective channel for Indo-Pacific Command’s mission to increase interoperability, information-sharing, and expanded access across the region by presenting a compatible and interoperable coalition to the adversary in crisis and armed conflict.