SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) will be getting new helicopters to replace its ageing fleet of rotary wing aircraft.
The new helicopters — the H225M and CH-47F — will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks, which have been in service since 1983 and 1994, respectively.
The H225M and CH-47F possess better lift and reach capabilities, and will enable the RSAF to meet the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower, Mindef said.
These new helicopters will perform various functions, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
The contract for the new helicopters were awarded to Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of the H225M Medium Lift Helicopter and to Boeing Company for the CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter.
