(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — After successfully bagging the contract for 18 units of FA-50 light combat aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) last year, South Korean aerospace giant, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), is now setting its sights on supplying helicopters to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF).
In collaboration with its local partner, KAI is introducing the multi-purpose utility helicopter, KUH-1 Surion, in its endeavor to penetrate the Malaysian helicopter market, particularly for military applications.
“KAI is keen to penetrate the Malaysian helicopter market, particularly through the KUH-1 Surion multi-purpose utility helicopter for use by the Malaysian Army (TDM), Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF),” stated a reliable industrial source to Defence Security Asia.
The source emphasized that one of the primary objectives for KAI and Kemalak Marine is to convince the leadership of the Ministry of Defence and ATM that the KUH-1 Surion multi-purpose utility helicopter is the most suitable platform to complement the equipment of the 882nd Regiment of the Army Aviation (PUTD).
“The KUH-1 Surion multi-purpose utility helicopter is the most suitable platform to complement the equipment of the 882nd PUTD Regiment,” he said.
The 882nd PUTD Regiment is set to acquire four Black Hawk helicopters for operational purposes through a leasing arrangement.
The Ministry of Defence signed a leasing contract for these four helicopters during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA ’23) in May of the previous year.
The leasing contract, valued at RM187 million, was signed with the local company Aerotree Defence & Services Sdn Bhd and spans a duration of five years.
According the source, the KUH-1 Surion multi-purpose utility helicopter is a state-of-the-art helicopter that offers advantages over other utility helicopters currently available in the market.
“Among the advantages of the KUH-1 Surion helicopter over other utility helicopters in the market are its ability to operate day and night and its capability to operate in all weather conditions. It can meet the operational and training needs of users, especially all three branches of the ATM,” he explained.
He added that the KAI-produced KUH-1 Surion helicopter is integrated with the latest helicopter developments, including the use of a digital glass cockpit, Automatic Flight Control Systems (AFCS), 3D digital maps, mission planning and analysis, Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), and more.
The KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter is equipped with the latest Night Vision Goggle (NVG) system, in addition to flight controls.
At present, KAI has produced 300 units of the KUH-1 Surion utility helicopter for the South Korean military and civilian use.
Featuring two engines, a speed of 146 knots, and a Maximum Take-off Gross Weight (MTOW) of 8.7 tonnes, the multi-purpose utility helicopter has the capability to carry 13 passengers, including two crew members. — DSA