(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is set to initiate the acquisition process for 12 new helicopters through an open tender at the beginning of next year, announced its chief General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
As reported by local media today, he conveyed the intention to finalize the helicopter acquisition before the end of the 2024.
Presently, the RMAF operates 12 EC725 AP helicopters (now known as H225M) manufactured by Airbus and several AW139 helicopters operated under the Government Operate, Company Own, and Maintain (GOCOM) model.
“The procurement of these 12 new helicopters, approved through the budget announcement, represents a significant enhancement to the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Search and Rescue (SAR), and utility mission capabilities,” stated General Tan Sri Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan.
“The RMAF aims to conduct an open tender, inviting companies to showcase assets capable of fulfilling the tasks and specifications outlined by the RMAF.
“Of utmost importance is the requirement for these aircraft to be equipped with light weaponry to carry out RMAF missions and support ground forces,” he added during a press briefing after attending an event at Subang Air Base today.
He emphasized that the helicopter acquisition is crucial to address the capability gap in the existing helicopter fleet.
The proposal for the acquisition of 12 new helicopters for the RMAF was announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the presentation of the 2024 Budget in the Dewan Rakyat on October 13.
In addition to the helicopter acquisition, the Malaysian Armed Forces through the 2024 Budget, will also procure 60 infantry fighting vehicles, 50 High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicles (HMLTV), six Hovercraft Integrated Fast Interceptors, and 733 various types of support vehicles.
Furthermore, it was announced that the refurbishment of two submarine assets and the acquisition of three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy will continue under the 2024 Budget.
Responding to inquiries regarding the delivery schedule of the FA-50M light fighter jets from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), General Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan stated that the first four FA-50M aircraft are expected to be received in October 2026, with the remainder to follow in 2027.
“Malaysia and KAI signed a contract for the acquisition of 18 FA-50M aircraft worth RM4 billion during LIMA 2023 in Langkawi last May,” he added.
The RMAF Chief also mentioned that the country is scheduled to receive two Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) ATR72 MPA in June 2026. — DSA
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