Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated a ceremony to mark the attainment of Full Operational Capability (FOC) status by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s H225M and CH-47F helicopters at Sembawang Air Base this afternoon. Dr Ng received a brief on the enhanced capabilities of the new helicopters, flew on the H225M, unveiled commemorative plaques for the attainment of FOC, and thanked the personnel from the RSAF and Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for their dedication and commitment towards saving lives and safeguarding Singapore’s skies. Achieving this FOC status is also testament to the hard work by the airmen and women from 125, 126 and 127 Squadrons, the RSAF’s Oakey Detachment in Australia, as well as the strong cross-Service integration with the Singapore Army and Republic of Singapore Navy.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng said, “Today, the H225M and the CH-47Fs will provide the SAF with an enhanced, robust, and flexible lift capability. They will strengthen the RSAF’s ability to undertake a wide range of operations, including Search and Rescue operations, aeromedical evacuations, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. More importantly, these two new helicopter platforms will enhance cross-service integration, allowing the RSAF to better support our Army and Navy troops in equipment lifts. I want to commend the Ops-Logs and Ops-Tech partnership between Helicopter Group, 6 Air Engineering and Logistics Group, and the Defence Technology Community in operationalising not one, but two platforms, both technologically-advanced within a few short years. Well done to the airmen and women who have worked and trained hard to operationalise the H225M and CH-47F.”
The H225M Medium Lift helicopter is a modern multi-role helicopter that will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s existing fleet of AS332M Super Pumas, which have been in service since 1985. The H225M helicopter has approximately 20% longer range, and is able to meet the Singapore Armed Forces’ lift and reach requirements more efficiently. With its high load capacity, easy cabin access, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility, the H225M helicopter provides the flexibility needed for the RSAF to be more effective and capable in meeting operational demands, inclusive of operations such as Search and Rescue, aeromedical evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
The CH-47F Heavy Lift Helicopter is an advanced multi-mission helicopter that will replace the the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s CH-47D Chinook helicopters, which have been in service since 1994. The CH-47F helicopter has a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, providing pilots with more information on their surroundings and advanced autopilot capabilities. It is also equipped with advanced avionics and capabilities such as Satellite Communication systems and self-protection suite to enable greater connectivity and enhanced aircraft survivability. The CH-47F helicopters will strengthen the RSAF’s fleet of helicopters to undertake a wide range of operations including Search and Rescue, aeromedical evacuation, troop lift, fire-fighting and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
