The Singapore Ministry of Defense (MoD) awarded contracts to Airbus to acquire H225M Medium Lift Helicopters and Boeing [BA] for CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopters, the government said Monday.
The H225M and CH-47F rotorcraft are planned to replace the Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks. The older helicopters have been in service since 1983 and 1994, respectively, the ministry said.
“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 MoD said in a statement.
“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 MOD added,
Singapore said the specific replacement aircraft were chosen after an evaluation process. It did not reveal the amount of H225M and CH-47F helicopters covered by the order or the contract value.