Singaporean CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter crews have qualified to take off and land on Australia’s Canberra class LHDs.
The Singaporean CH-47 crews, permanently based at Oakey in Queensland, spent two days flying from Townsville to HMAS Adelaide at sea to undertake Deck Landing Qualifications.
This included communicating with the warship’s flight control room and being guided by Australian sailors on the flight deck.
Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said qualifying Republic of Singapore Air Force personnel to operate their CH-47 aircraft with the Australian Navy was a force-multiplier for both nations.
“The ability to operate our largest amphibious vessels with Singapore’s CH-47 Chinook helicopters means we can work together to mobilise and move personnel or supplies at sea, and enhance our combined joint capability,” Minister for Defence Linda Reynolds said.
“Singapore maintains an ongoing number of CH-47s at Oakey. These are the same aircraft that came to Australia’s aid during the 2020 bushfire emergency, underscoring the utility of being able to operate with Singapore in a crisis. We will always be grateful for Singapore’s assistance during our time of need.”