SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has award contracts to Airbus Helicopters and The Boeing Company for helicopter purchases.

The new H225M medium lift helicopter and CH-47F heavy lift helicopter will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks.

The Super Pumas and older Chinooks "have been in service since 1983 and 1994 respectively and are facing obsolescence", said Mindef is a statement on Monday (Nov 7).

"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."

The replacement aircraft were selected after a rigorous evaluation, said the ministry.

The helicopters will help in a wide spectrum of operations, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Mindef declined to say how many new helicopters it is purchasing.