Malaysia to receive 3 new Maritime Operations Helicopters from Italy's Leonardo

The Leonardo AW139. Photo c/o EDR Magazine.

 

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) is expected to receive three (3) new Maritime Operations Helicopter, which are planned to enter service between 2022 to 2024.

According to RMN chief Adm. Reza Sany, the RMN signed a contract with Italian defense giant Leonardo last 20 September 2020. While no mention was made on the helicopter model to be delivered, there were several previous reports pointing to the Leonardo AW139.

No mention was made regarding the value of the contract, but previous statements by Adm. Reza Sany mentioned it at RM220 million (US$54.3 million) for the project.

According to reports from last year, the helicopters will be assigned with the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) to be used for utility roles.

The delivery of the first helicopter is expected to be by 30 October 2022, the second helicopter by 31 May 2023, and the third helicopter by 28 February 2024.

The RMN was also reported to be looking to acquire additional Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopters between 2022 to 2025 to beef up its current fleet.

Currently, the RMN has six (6) Westland Super Lynx 300 ASW helicopters that are embarked on different ships of the RMN.




[1] Bernama
[2] Malaysian Defence
[3] Shephard Media

Malaysia to receive 3 new Maritime Operations Helicopters from Italy's Leonardo Malaysia to receive 3 new Maritime Operations Helicopters from Italy's Leonardo Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 27, 2021 Rating: 5

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