Two new helicopters for the Falklands

The two helicopters will be operated by Bristow Group, and will be used to provide aerial support to the islands – in particular through the logistical movement of people and supplies.

They replace a fleet of S-61Ns that Bristow (formerly British International Helicopter Services) has operated on behalf of British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI) for the past seven years. Bristow also operates search and rescue (SAR) services on and around the islands using a Leonardo AW189.

The new helicopters offer more modern systems and increased reliability compared with the ones they replace, and will also be able to operate in poorer weather conditions than their predecessors.

“The support helicopter transition is now complete, with Bristow flying people and freight across the Falkland Islands using both new Sikorskys,” said Group Captain Grindlay, Deputy Commander at BFSAI. “Alongside the Leonardo AW189, which provides round-the-clock search-and-rescue cover, the new S-92s offer our forces modern aircraft equipped for the challenges of the Falklands environment now and in the future.”