New RSAF helicopters now fully operational
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) new H225M and CH-47 rotorcraft have been granted full operational capability (FOC) status
The FOC status was announced on 11 April at a ceremony at Sembawang Air Base attended by Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen.
The H225M medium-lift helicopters are intended to replace the RSAF’s fleet of AS332Ms, while the CH-47F heavy-lift rotorcraft will replace the air force’s CH-47Ds.
“The H225M and the CH-47Fs will provide the SAF with an enhanced, robust, and flexible lift capability,” said Dr Ng. “They will strengthen the RSAF’s ability to undertake a wide range of operations, including search and rescue (SAR) operations, aeromedical evacuations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”
He added: “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.”
The RSAF’s CH-47Fs and H225Ms were ordered in 2016, with the country receiving the first delivery of both aircraft types in 2021.
The Egyptian Air Force announced plans to acquire a fleet of 12 CH-47Fs of its own in January 2023.