By 07 November 2016
The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M (photo : avionale)
MINDEF Signs Contracts to Acquire New Medium- and Heavy-Lift Helicopters
The Singapore Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of the H225M – Medium Lift Helicopter and a contract to The Boeing Company for the acquisition of CH-47F – Heavy Lift Helicopter.
The new H225M and CH-47F will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks, which have been in service since 1983 and 1994 respectively, and are facing obsolescence.
CH-47F Chinook (photo : Glenn Anderson)
The H225M and CH-47F possess better lift and reach capabilities, and will enable the RSAF to meet the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)’s lift requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower.
The acquisition of the H225M and CH-47F will ensure that the RSAF continues to effectively meet the SAF’s lift requirements for a wide spectrum of operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The replacement aircraft were selected after a rigorous evaluation process.
(Sing Mindef)
