Malaysia to lease four Black Hawk multi-role helicopters to replace S-61 Nuri

 

A Black Hawk multi-role helicopter. Photo c/o Wikipedia.

The Chief of the Malaysian Army, General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain has confirmed on 11 March 2023 that the Malaysian Army is scheduled to receive four Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters.

This announcement was made during the 28th Army Commander’s Appreciation Parade and the 28th Anniversary of the Army Aviation (PUTD) at Kem Mahkota in Kluang, Johor.

The helicopter’s acquisition is said to be with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is in the Seal of Acceptance phase, and are expected to be arriving with the Malaysian Army by May or June 2023.

The Black Hawk helicopters are being brought in to replace the ageing Sikorksy S-61 Nuri, which the Malaysian Army started to retire from service.

Due to the nature and speed of the acquisition and delivery, it is believed that the Black Hawk helicopters are not being purchased for the Malaysian Army, and could be leased from a service provider.

Purchasing helicopters, even directly from the manufacturer requires a longer delivery lead time and more time-intensive process and approvals from the exporting country’s government and other authorities.

The replacement of the S-61 Nuri has been deemed to be urgent, and it is believed that the 4 Black Hawk helicopters are only stop-gap measures as the Malaysian Ministry of Defence looks for a more permanent solution.

Once delivered, these Black Hawk helicopters will be operated by the Malaysian Army Aviation Regiment’s 882 Squadron.




[1] Air Times News
[2] Air Times News
[3] Malaysian Defence