Arrival of Singaporean Chinooks at Oakey

Five Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Chinook helicopters have arrived at the Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey, Queensland.

The Chinooks are located at Oakey in order to access the outstanding flying training environment available on the Darling Downs.

The Chinooks will operate under the terms of the Oakey Treaty between Australia and Singapore, and are expected to commence flying activities this month. Australian Army Aviation flying training operations will not be affected.

The RSAF has maintained a continuous detachment of training aircraft at the Army Aviation Training Centre at Oakey since 1996.

The Defence and Foreign Policy White Papers highlight the Government’s intention to strengthen security cooperation with Singapore through the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. 

The basing of the RSAF Chinooks in Australia is a demonstration of the deepening relationship between Australia and Singapore, and provides potential future opportunities for further bilateral defence cooperation.