The Malaysian Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) has awarded a five-year contract worth MYR 378 million (USD 8.6 million) to BHIC AeroServices (BHICAS), a subsidiary of Boustead Heavy Industries Corp (BHIC). Under the agreement, BHICAS will provide in-service support (ISS) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) fleet of 12 Eurocopter EC725 Caracal (Airbus H225M) helicopters. The contract covers a range of services, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), further solidifying BHICAS’s position as a key player in servicing Airbus helicopters in Malaysia.
BHICAS is a joint venture between BHIC Defence Technologies, Prestige Pillar, and Airbus Helicopters Malaysia. The RMAF’s EC725 helicopters, which have been operational since 2012, are extensively used for training exercises, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief (HADR) missions such as flood rescues and aeromedical evacuations. The fleet has accumulated over 30,000 flight hours, one of the highest figures in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the helicopters are undergoing upgrades with enhanced main gearboxes (EMGB) to extend their operational lifespan and simplify maintenance.
In December 2023, the RMAF announced plans to acquire 12 new multirole helicopters for combat search-and-rescue (SAR) and utility missions, with potential options including the Airbus Helicopters H225M and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Earlier in July 2023, MINDEF had awarded BHICAS a 12-month contract extension, along with an additional ceiling contract worth MYR 115.3 million (USD 2.77 million), to continue supporting the EC725 fleet. BHICAS operates Malaysia’s only one-stop Airbus Helicopter service facility at the Malaysian International Aerospace Centre in Subang, Selangor, offering MRO, after-sales support, and training services.
(Sources: Asian Military Review; New Straits Times)
