Reply to Media Queries on New Medium- and Heavy-Lift Helicopters

"MINDEF/SAF has always taken a rigorous and prudent approach in planning for our defence needs and acquires sufficient helicopters to meet Singapore's defence requirements. The H225M and CH-47F will replace the RSAF's existing Super Pumas and the older CH-47Ds of the RSAF's CH-47 fleet which have been in service since 1983 and 1994 respectively, and are facing obsolescence. It is timely to replace them to ensure that the SAF continues to have an effective heli-lift capability for a wide range of operations including Search and Rescue (SAR), medical evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

The H225M and CH-47F were selected after our rigorous and stringent evaluation process found them to be the most cost-effective solution to provide the SAF with a robust heli-lift capability for a wide range of operations. The H225M has an approximately 20% longer range compared to the Super Pumas, and will provide operational flexibility with its manoeuvrability and small landing footprint which are essential when operating in confined environments during operations such as medical evacuation and HADR. With newer and better designs, the maintenance regime of the H225M is also simplified and requires less manpower support. The new CH-47F, on the other hand, has more advanced avionics and capabilities such as an enhanced self-protection capability and Satellite Communication (SATCOM) systems to enable it to be more survivable and better connected.

The helicopters are projected for delivery from 2020 onwards, and a decision on the training arrangements will be made in due course. The existing Super Pumas and older CH-47Ds will be progressively drawn down. The RSAF is working out the details of the drawdown."