Once again putting our defence equipments into good use, win win
situation, helping our friends and gaining experiences. :)
SINGAPORE - Singapore has offered Canberra the use of a fleet of
helicopters based in Australia to battle wildfires that have
claimed 173 lives and razed entire towns, Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong said.
"If it would be helpful to your efforts, Singapore can offer the
use of our Super Puma helicopters currently stationed in Oakey for
your relief efforts," Lee said in a letter to his Australian
counterpart, Kevin Rudd.
"We are also ready to help in any other way that we can," he
added in the letter, released by Singapore's foreign ministry late
Monday.
The Super Puma helicopters are suitable for search and rescue
operations and to transport people and equipment.
Because of its limited local airspace, Singapore has stationed
12 Super Pumas in Oakey, Queensland for more than a decade under an
agreement with the Australian government to allow its air force to
conduct training exercises.
Lee also said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the loss of
lives and extensive damage caused by the Australian fires. -AFP
