Singapore is to acquire an undisclosed number of Airbus Helicopters H225M and Boeing CH-47F rotorcraft as part of a fleet modernisation programme.

The Caracals and Chinooks will respectively replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF’s) existing AS332 Super Puma and CH-47SD helicopters. These have been in service since 1983 and 1994, says the nation’s defence ministry and are “facing obsolescence”.

Republic of Singapore

“The H225M and CH-47F possess better lift and reach capabilities, and will enable the RSAF to meet the Singapore Armed Forces’ lift requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower,” it says.

Flight Fleets Analyzer lists the service as operating a total of 32 AS332M/ULs, along with 16 CH-47SDs.

Republic of Singapore

Singapore has been looking to replace its AS332s for several years, with Airbus Helicopters emerging as a favourite. However, doubts had emerged over the deal, partly stoked by rival Leonardo, following safety concerns in the wake of the April fatal crash of an H225 in Norway.

The latest order is the second major deal for the H225M since the accident, with Kuwait committing to 30 examples in July.

Source: FlightGlobal.com