Singapore Airshow 2026: APAC countries explore fleet upgrade and expansion opportunities
Saab’s recent Gripen E/F contract success with Thailand could open more doors for further procurement from other APAC countries. (Photo: Saab)
Ahead of the Singapore Airshow 2026, opportunities for defence firms to upgrade or replace ageing aircraft remain strong, with tactical transport, combat aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft at the top of potential procurement lists.
Defence spending and procurement across Asian-Pacific (APAC) countries is on the rise, with defence budgets increased and armed forces consolidating and upgrading their aircraft to meet growing operational demands.
With an increasingly fraught evolving security landscape, epitomised by China and its ongoing efforts to strengthen its military – including the modernisation of its air combat capabilities – surrounding countries are sharply focused on improving and expanding their own.
Shephard Defence Insight estimates that the total value of the APAC defence aerospace market is around US$388 billion, with as-yet unawarded or selected programmes accounting for approximately $164 billion.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade]()
UK MoD awards investment for full production of RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon radar upgrade
The contract deal will enable the production and integration of the Eurofighter Typhoon’s new Eurofighter Common Radar System Mk 2 on part of the UK Royal Air Force’s fleet.
-
![Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV]()
Bayraktar TB2: The $4.11 billion market success of a cost-effective MALE UAV
The success of the Bayraktar TB2 stems from it fulfilling a niche of providing reasonable capabilities at a low cost, leading to its acquisition by more than 30 countries including many in Africa; but there are reasons to be cautious about its potential future prospects.
-
![Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs]()
Anduril awarded latest OPF-L contract with around $155.2 million still up for grabs
As the US Marine Corps continues to push loitering munitions as a core battlefield tool, Shephard looks at how the latest contract award factors into future potential purchases.
-
![GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success]()
GA-ASI makes strides with further MQ-20 intercept test success
The latest test of advanced autonomy development focused on human-machine teaming, loading a mission profile onto the platform.
