A Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) helicopter was activated on National Day to rescue a crew member who needed urgent medical attention while aboard a vessel at sea.
The man was successfully evacuated and flown to Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he was reported to be conscious and in stable condition.
RSAF’s Rescue 10 Helicopter Was Activated
In a Facebook post on 9 August 2026, the RSAF said its Rescue 10 H225M Medium Lift Helicopter had been activated earlier that day after receiving a request to evacuate the crew member.
The RSAF did not provide details on the man’s medical condition beyond saying that he required urgent medical attention.
It also did not identify the vessel in its post.
After reaching the vessel, the Rescue 10 team successfully evacuated the man and transported him to SGH for treatment.
The RSAF wished him a speedy recovery and paid tribute to its aircrew and healthcare workers who remain ready around the clock for such missions.
The air force also highlighted the timing of the mission, saying on National Day that it saluted those who stand ready to serve whenever duty calls.
Rescue 10 Is on Standby 24/7
While Singaporeans might recognise RSAF helicopters from events such as the National Day Parade, search and rescue is another role carried out by the air force throughout the year.
According to the RSAF, its search and rescue teams are on standby 24 hours a day.
Rescue 10 is frequently activated to evacuate people who require immediate medical treatment, including patients aboard civilian vessels in waters around Singapore.
The H225M used in the 9 August rescue is designed for missions including search and rescue and aeromedical evacuation.
The helicopter replaced the RSAF’s older AS332M Super Puma in the medium-lift role. The H225M and the RSAF’s newer CH-47F Chinook attained Full Operational Capability in April 2024.
The newer H225M also has a longer range and greater manoeuvrability than the Super Puma it replaced.
So while some RSAF personnel were taking part in Singapore’s National Day activities on 9 August, another team was carrying out one of the force’s real-world missions at sea.
