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| RSAF Super Puma on the USS Harpers Ferry during CARAT 2007 (Image: Wiki Commons) |
by Mike Yeo
Singapore is close to selecting a replacement for its Super Puma medium-lift helicopters. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) currently operates the survivors of 34 Super Pumas acquired in 1985 and 1991, which subsequently had an avionics and capability upgrade beginning in the latter half of the 2000s. The RSAF is also planning to replace some older Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters.
In a recent speech to the Singapore Parliament, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said that the country is “finalizing our evaluations and expects the new RSAF helicopters soon.” Typically very secretive about its military acquisition programs, Singapore has neither announced the number of Super Puma replacements it is seeking nor disclosed the specifics of its requirement. However, the AgustaWestland AW101, Airbus Helicopters NH90 and H225M Caracal, and Sikorsky S-92 were prominent in the display halls at the recent Singapore Airshow, which could point to the likely contenders for the replacement program.
The RSAF uses the Super Pumas and Chinooks primarily in support of army operations, lifting troops and underslung equipment. In addition, both types have carried out search-and-rescue (SAR) missions in Singapore’s large SAR region and supported humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the region.
Read the full story at AINonline