Military aircraft perform aerobatic displays in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow)
The Defense Department continued its long-running string of appearances at the Singapore Airshow by sending four aircraft and the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific to participate in the event this week.
The four aircraft are the F-35A Lightning II, MQ-9 Reaper, KC-46 Pegasus and P-8A Poseidon. They are on static display this year and not scheduled for flights, according to a Pacific Air Forces news release Tuesday.
The U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific is scheduled to perform periodically throughout the air show, which began Tuesday and concludes Sunday.
The air show was accessible mainly to trade professionals throughout the week, with the public getting their chance to attend this weekend.
The event is also a trade show, with representatives from the world’s biggest aerospace companies present, from Airbus to Boeing and Lockheed Martin, Saab and Gulfstream, according to the event organizer, Experia Events Pte Ltd.
Over 1,000 companies from more than 50 nations are attending this year’s show, according to the release.
An F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter sits on display in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow)
The United States is one of 14 countries whose pavilions anchor the main floor at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the largest in the show’s history, according to Experia Events.
Exhibitors use the popular event to showcase the latest advances in aerospace technology and equipment while also networking with potential clients.
The 2024 air show alone generated more than $300 million, according to the company.
Members of the U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific perform in this undated photo from the 2026 Singapore Airshow at Changi Exhibition Centre. (Singapore Airshow)
The first two days of this year’s event featured a space summit for the first time to create dialogue between space agencies, policymakers and investors in the burgeoning industry.
The Pentagon uses the annual event to strengthen ties with Singapore, engage with other foreign partners, showcase equipment and expand their power projection capabilities, according to Pacific Air Forces.
The first Singapore Airshow was held in 2008, and the U.S. has been a regular participant ever since, becoming the first Feature Country in 2014.
