Malaysia to Lease 28 AW149 Helicopters in USD 3.4 Billion Defense Initiative

Jan 2025

The Malaysian government has announced a significant initiative to lease 28 AW149 medium helicopters from Italy’s Leonardo, with a contract valued at USD 3.4 billion over a 15-year period. This announcement was made by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin during his speech on the 2025 budget bill in Parliament on November 13, 2024. The project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence and implemented through the Public-Private Partnership Unit, aims to modernize the operational capabilities of Malaysia’s national security agencies, marking a strategic shift in the country’s defense acquisition policy towards leasing rather than outright purchases.

Under this agreement, the helicopters will be distributed among various agencies: 12 to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), 7 to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), 2 to the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), 2 to the Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM), and 4 to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia). This distribution reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing national security, enabling these agencies to conduct a range of missions including military operations, maritime surveillance, emergency interventions, and public safety efforts.

The AW149 helicopters are designed for versatility and enhanced operational capabilities, featuring advanced avionics and increased payload capacity. They can perform various roles such as troop transport, search and rescue, and combat support. This acquisition follows the cancellation of a previous contract for Black Hawk helicopters due to contractor performance issues, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability in defense projects. The introduction of these helicopters is expected to significantly bolster Malaysia’s national security infrastructure and improve inter-agency cooperation in addressing various challenges.

(Source: Global Defense News)

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