More Chinooks for Oakey – RSAF.
On 22 Aug 2020, the Australian Defence Magazine reported the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will increase the number of Boeing CH-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopters based at the Army Aviation Training Centre. The estimated number is 16 new-build CH-47Fs. Planned arrival is Q1 if 2021. Five RSAF CH-47D Chinooks have been based at Oakey since 2018 under the Oakey Agreement between the two countries, which allows up to 16 helicopters to be based in Australia at any given time for pilot training. It is not yet clear what will happen to the five heavy-lift Chinooks currently at Oakey once the new helicopters are delivered.
Will they be able to find enough maintenance staff after COVID?
But good news for Australia. What do you think about staff shortages, long term?