Malaysia receives first batch of 2 leased Leonardo AW139 helicopters

 

Handover of 2 AW139 to RMAF. Photo c/o RMAF.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has formally received the first batch of two leased Leonardo AW139 helicopters.

The helicopters were received by the RMAF on 04 December 2021 and are part of an order to lease a total of four AW139 helicopters from Westar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, and will temporarily replace the RMAF’s recently retired Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters.

These helicopters will be operated by the RMAF’s No. 3 Squadron, which operated the S-61 Nuri for more than 50 years.

The 2 other helicopters are scheduled to be handed over to the RMAF on 22 February 2022, and 22 April 2022.

According to the RMAF, the helicopters are part of an interim solution and acquired under a chartered concept based on “Government Operated, Company Owned and Maintained” (GOCOM) system, with the RMAF planning to lease the helicopters between 4 to 5 years while the service is processing the procurement of 24 new helicopters in 2 batches.

The RMAF plans to acquire 12 new helicopters under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13) from 2026-2030, and another 12 helicopters under the 14th Malaysia Plan (RMK14) from 2031 to 2035.




[1] New Straits Times
[2] Defense Security Asia