Malaysia starts international open tender for new maritime patrol aircraft

The Leonardo ATR-72MPA is among those considered by the RMAF. Photo c/o Defense & Security Monitor.


The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MOD) in cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has started to prepare for an international open tender for the acquisition of new Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) to improve its maritime surveillance capabilities.

An online briefing for the tender was conducted on 1 October 2020 in Kuala Lumpur, and participated by members of the the MOD’s Defense Industry Division (BIP), RMAF’s MPA Acquisition Project Team, and representatives from local and international companies which expressed their desire to supply the aircraft.

Based on the briefing, the RMAF presented its plan to acquire a full-spectrum Maritime Patrol Aircraft in line with the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), with Phase 1 of the project looking to acquire two (2) new MPAs.

In the long run, the RMAF requires up to six (6) new MPAs to meet its capability requirements, and to replace ageing assets.

Based on previous reports and statements from the MOD, among those being considered by the RMAF were France’s Airbus C-295MPA, Italy’s Leonardo ATR-72MPA, the Boeing P-8A Poseidon from the US, Japan’s Kawasaki P-1, and the PTDI CN-235MPA from Indonesia.

To improve its capabilities in the medium term, the RMAF has started a program to convert some of their CN235-220 tactical transport aircraft into Maritime Patrol Aircraft.


[1] Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia
[2] New Straits Times
[3] Naval News

Malaysia starts international open tender for new maritime patrol aircraft Malaysia starts international open tender for new maritime patrol aircraft Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on October 07, 2020 Rating: 5

2 comments

  1. the airbus c295 mpa is worker in spain not in france

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  2. I think for the meanwhile the PN should consider first the TC-90 MPA from Japan as their premiere patrol aircraft, much better equip this aircraft with surveillance cameras and console, LRPA is expensive asset to buy so better for the PN to stick first to the TC-90 King Air as their platform.

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