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Second generation (1985 to 2005)

1985/07 - First multi-role medium lift helicopter

AS-332 Super Puma

1985

RSAF acquired AS-332 Super Pumas, enhancing air support for Army operations, troop lifts, and SAR.

The RSAF acquired the AS-332 Super Puma helicopters to meet operational demands. These helicopters became the mainstay of air support for Army operations in terms of troop lift and resupply as well as Search and Rescue. They form 125 and 126 Squadrons, and are located at Sembawang Air Base.

Image of Super Puma helicopters in 1985.

The Super Puma helicopters arrived in 1985 at Sembawang Air Base in wooden crates.

Image of technicians assembly the Super Pumas.

The Super Pumas were assembled by the technicians at Sembawang Air Base.

An image of the new helicopters in 1985.

The new helicopters were assigned to 125 Squadron, which was inaugurated on 4 October 1985.

Image of a Super Puma outdoors.

The Super Pumas are also operated by 126 Squadron.

"Considering the distance and the nature of the incident, and that the rescue was to be done at night, we decided the Super Puma was better equipped to do the job.”

MAJ Chia Sin Kwong, Commanding Officer, 125 Squadron, 1986 who deployed a Super Puma to evacuate a doctor suffering from brain haemorrhage in Pulau Tioman

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