Singapore Strengthens Air Force with Enhanced Helicopter Fleet at Sembawang Air Base Ceremony
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) celebrated a significant milestone today as the H225M and CH-47F helicopters reached Full Operational Capability (FOC) status during a ceremony at Sembawang Air Base. Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence, presided over the event, which marked a key enhancement in Singapore’s aerial and humanitarian capabilities.
During the ceremony, Dr. Ng unveiled commemorative plaques and participated in a flight demonstration aboard the H225M, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the new fleet. The H225M medium-lift and CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters will replace the older AS332M and CH-47D models, respectively, providing the RSAF with improved flexibility and efficiency in operations ranging from troop transport to disaster relief.
Dr. Ng highlighted the crucial roles these helicopters play in a variety of missions, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance. He emphasized the enhanced lift capability that these platforms offer to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), significantly boosting the RSAF’s operational readiness and ability to support both the Singapore Army and Navy.
The attainment of FOC status is the result of intense collaboration and training involving RSAF personnel from the 125, 126, and 127 Squadrons, as well as the RSAF’s Oakey Detachment in Australia. Dr. Ng praised the dedication and hard work of the airmen and women, alongside contributions from the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and other defence partners, which have been instrumental in integrating these technologically advanced helicopters into the fleet.
The ceremony was attended by key military and government officials, including Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr. Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, and other senior officers from the SAF, reflecting the importance of this enhancement to Singapore’s defensive and humanitarian outreach capabilities.
Source – MINDEF
