Malaysia to open tender for 12 new helicopters by 2024.

 

RMAF EC725AP medium helicopters. Photo c/o Helis.com.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be procuring 12 new helicopters in 2024, which would be done through a competitive open tender.

This was confirmed to Malaysian press by the RMAF’s Chief General Mohd Asghar Khan Goriman Khan, who also said that he will be inviting companies to display their assets and participate in the open tender.

Currently the RMAF operates 12Airbus EC725AP medium helicopters, and it was widely anticipated that the RMAF would be ordering the same aircraft for commonality. 

The decision to procure new helicopters through an open tender may find the RMAF with a different helicopter model although the RMAF said that helicopter manufacturers will need to follow their specifications.

According to the RMAF, the new helicopter will be used for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) as well as utilitarian roles to meet requirements for Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW) and Humanitarian and Disaster Relief (HADR).

The helicopters will also be lightly armed, most likely by a window or door mounted machine guns.

The Malaysian Armed Forces have had difficulty getting replacements for its S-61A Nuri medium helicopters which have been mostly retired from service after a series of accidents and affecting operational requirements.

To fill in the shortfall, the RMAF has leased 4 AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters from an aviation services company, until acquisition of more helicopters are realised.

[1] Bernama 

[2] Free Malaysia Today