Full Operational Capability For Singapore Rotorcrafts
The Republic of Singapore Air Force has attained Full Operational Capability (FOC) status for its fleet of Airbus H225M and Boeing CH-47F helicopter. In a ceremony marking the milestone held at Sembawang Air Base, Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen was briefed on the capabilities of both platforms before boarding a H225M flight. Also in attendance was Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, RSAF chief Brigadier General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Navy (CNV) Rear Admiral Sean Wat and other top brass.
The H225M is a medium-lift helicopter purchased to replace the force’s inventory of older AS332M Super Puma helicopters while the CH-47D replaces its preceding CH-47D variants.
A Singapore Ministry of Defence statement read, “the new helicopters will enable the RSAF to be more effective, flexible and capable in meeting operational demands, including troop lift, underslung, search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, counter terrorism and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations. 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.”
The minister added, “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.”
He also commended personnel from the RSAF and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) for their tireless work in operationalising both rotary-wing platforms within just a few short years.-shp/adj/dl (Pix:SG Mindef)