Politics

Ma commissions search and rescue choppers

A newly commissioned ROC air force EC-225 is put through its paces July 10 in Taipei City. (CNA)

• Publication Date：07/11/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou commissioned three new air force search and rescue helicopters July 10, praising the nation’s increasing civil defense capabilities.

“The EC-225 helicopters will strengthen the rescue capabilities of the military,” Ma said, adding that this is critical given the armed forces growing role in national disaster relief and response operations over the past few years.

Ma made the remarks in his capacity as commander in chief of the ROC military while reviewing the military rescue squadron at Songshan Air Base in Taipei City.

The EC-225, or Super Puma, is a long-range personnel helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter, a division of European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. The chopper is equipped with advanced medical equipment such as an aspirator, defibrillator and electrocardiogram.

Purchased in January 2010, the helicopters were brought to Taiwan last December in a chartered Antonov AN-124 cargo jet. They are the first European additions to the rescue squadron, which operates 17 U.S.-made Sikorsky S-70C Bluehawks.

On the all-important subject of national defense, Ma reaffirmed the government policy of strengthening defense capabilities and combat readiness in peacetime, as these are key to securing national development and prosperity. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw