(Reuters) -Singapore plans to acquire four Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, a statement from the country's defence ministry said on Wednesday.

The order is the first phase in a refresh of the Singapore Armed Forces maritime security capabilities. The aircraft will replace existing Fokker 50 planes, which have been in service since 1993, the statement said.

It did not disclose the value of the deal. Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Singapore's Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing added that production of 20 Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets that Singapore has on order has begun and they are on track for delivery from the end of 2026.

Chan met U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon on Wednesday.

Hegseth welcomed him to the "newly minted Department of War".

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the name change, but that will require action by Congress.