Two new Sikorsky S-92A helicopters have been delivered to Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC), the headquarters of the British Forces in the South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI).
Operated by Bristow Group Helicopters, these modern aircraft represent a significant upgrade over the previous Sikorsky S-61N platforms, which served as a support helicopter in the Falklands for the last seven years of the current contract.
The helicopters brought to Port de Mare by Falkland Islands Replenishment Ship (FIRS) and their highly trained crews will primarily provide a helicopter support capability through the logistical movement of people, spare parts and supplies around the island.
This week we welcomed the arrival of the second very new and eagerly awaited Sikorsky S92A to replace the Sikorsky S61N.
The helicopter was delivered aboard the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship (FIRS) and transported by road from Mare Harbor to the Bristow Hangar within MPC. https://t.co/PcDOiKEwYd pic.twitter.com/bjaLXRX4Vj— BFSAI (@BFSouthAtlantic) July 7, 2023
Earlier this summer, the Bristow team began deploying the Sikorsky S-92A, marking the start of the withdrawal of the S-61N, a critical capability for British forces. Both S-92s are now fully operational.
Bristow Group Helicopters will continue to operate the highly effective Leonardo AW189 in search and rescue missions.
The introduction of new Sikorsky helicopters will benefit the Ministry of Defense as the S-92A is equipped with more modern systems, is more reliable and can operate in worse weather conditions than its predecessors.
The update marks another successful collaboration between DE&S and Strategic Command – known as the Defense Integrator and responsible for managing the UK’s network of overseas bases.
