Airbus Well Placed to Further Support Malaysia’s Defence Needs
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) currently operates 12 H225M from its bases in Kuantan and Labuan. Designed for the most demanding missions, these multi-role H225Ms have actively participated in numerous military exercises and humanitarian missions over the last ten years, including flood rescue, pandemic aid and lifesaving operations.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Airbus Helicopters is committed to deepening its current partnerships and ecosystem in Malaysia even as it seeks to maintain its market lead in the country.
Speaking to journalists at Airbus’ helicopter facility in Subang, Axel de Pascal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Malaysia, says that Malaysia is an important market for the company.
The European helicopter manufacturer is looking to increase its share steadily over the next five years, particularly on the military front.
“We expect an uptick in military demand for special operations, search-and-rescue, and tactical transport within Malaysia and regionally. This is where Airbus’ combat-proven multi-role H225M is best suited for a wide range of mission requirements,” said De Pascal.
The H225M is today contracted by ten military forces worldwide with over 170 units delivered, over 40 on order and another 50 supporting governmental agencies on search and rescue missions.
Four of these ten H225M military customers are in Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia.
The widespread use of the H225M underlines the success of this force multiplier which enables operators to deploy rapidly in all-weather environments.
This is in addition to the large number of H225 operators utilising the versatile helicopter for various civil and parapublic missions.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) currently operates 12 H225M from its bases in Kuantan and Labuan.
Designed for the most demanding missions, these multi-role H225Ms have actively participated in numerous military exercises and humanitarian missions over the last ten years, including flood rescue, pandemic aid and lifesaving operations.
The air force’s H225M fleet has been recognised as the world’s highest military flyer per aircraft, achieving over 30,000 flight hours today.
Under Budget 2024, funding has been allocated to RMAF to acquire 12 helicopters. Airbus is ready to put forth its H225M for consideration when the time comes.
“Malaysia is already very familiar with the H225M capabilities, and will be able to benefit from a common fleet with immediate operational readiness and reduced operational costs,” added de Pascal.
De Pascal reiterated that any growth on the military front will inevitably see an expansion of the company’s existing footprint in terms of partnerships and the ecosystem.
“We are confident that the additional H225M will complement RMAF’s existing fleet. With a ready ecosystem in place, any additional asset will result in considerable increase in efficiency for the air force at all levels.”
Airbus has continuously invested in modernising the multi-role H225 workhorse to match customers’ evolving mission requirements, bringing it to the highest safety standards and reducing its time to market.
Most recent investments also focused on an upgraded main gear box, an improved industrial setup, ease of maintenance, and enhanced cost effectiveness.
“With new infrastructures incorporated into the H225 industrial process, production will continue beyond 2040, which means stability and fleet support is assured for decades to come.”
“There are significant opportunities for H225M. Airbus is convinced that this helicopter platform will become a critical enabler complementing Malaysia’s existing fleet.” — DSA
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