Sikorsky has received a contract from Singapore's defence ministry to equip its navy with six S-70B Seahawk helicopters. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery to the service between 2008-10.
The announcement on 21 January marked the formal rejection of rival proposals to supply Singapore with Eurocopter's AS532SC Cougar or NH Industries' NH90 helicopters and brought to a delayed close a competition to supply maritime helicopters to operate from the country's six new frigates. The first of these vessels will enter service in 2007.
Singapore had initially planned to acquire 12 helicopters to operate from the frigates, but last year halved its requirement and also reduced the specification for some of its aircraft. The armed S-70B fleet will be employed for a variety of tasks, including anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare duties.
Source: Flight International
