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Malaysia to Acquire Leonardo AW149 Multi-Role Medium Helicopters from Italy.
The Malaysian government has announced a major initiative to lease 28 AW149 medium helicopters under a contract with Italy, represented by Leonardo, valued at $3.4 billion over a 15-year period. This announcement was made by the Minister of Defence, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, during his closing speech for the 2025 budget bill presented to the Malaysian Parliament on November 13, 2024.
Leonardo Multi-Role AW149 Medium Helicopter (Picture source: Leonardo)
This project, led by the Ministry of Defence and implemented by the Public-Private Partnership Unit (UKAS) and the Prime Minister’s Department, represents a strategic advancement in modernizing the operational capabilities of national security agencies. The minister specified that this leasing method, unprecedented in the country, aims not only to strengthen the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) but also to support other national security agencies.
Under this agreement, 12 helicopters will be assigned to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM), 7 to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), 2 to the Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM), 2 to the Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM), and 4 to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia). This distribution reflects the government's commitment to adopting a comprehensive approach to national security needs. These helicopters will be used for various missions, ranging from military operations and maritime surveillance to emergency interventions and public safety.
The choice of leasing marks a turning point in Malaysia's acquisition policy, traditionally based on outright equipment purchases, often associated with high upfront costs. This approach allows for reduced initial expenses while ensuring continuous access to modern and efficient equipment. Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin emphasized that this initiative, though innovative for Malaysia, aligns with a strategy of resource optimization and adherence to budgetary constraints, while meeting international standards for modernizing defense capabilities.
Malaysia’s helicopter fleet is diverse and distributed among several government agencies. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) operates helicopters such as the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, in service since 1968, and has introduced Eurocopter EC725s to modernize its fleet. In 2021, the RMAF also leased four AgustaWestland AW139s as a temporary replacement for the Nuri. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) uses helicopters for surveillance and transport missions. The Fire and Rescue Department (JPBM) operates models like the AgustaWestland AW139 and Mil Mi-17-1V for rescue and firefighting operations, while the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (Maritim Malaysia) employs helicopters for maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue missions.
The introduction of AW149 medium helicopters aims to modernize and enhance the operational capacities of Malaysia’s armed forces and security agencies. The AW149 is a next-generation multi-role military helicopter designed for diverse missions such as troop transport, search and rescue operations, and assault missions. It offers increased payload capacity, advanced avionics, and overall better performance compared to currently deployed models. This acquisition will provide Malaysia with a more modern, reliable fleet that meets contemporary defense and security requirements.
Powered by two advanced turboshaft engines, the AW149 delivers exceptional performance in hot and high conditions, with a maximum speed of 313 km/h and a range of approximately 830 km. The aircraft can carry up to 18 troops or be configured for various mission-specific roles, including search and rescue, medical evacuation, and combat support. It features advanced avionics, a fully integrated digital cockpit, and state-of-the-art mission systems, enhancing situational awareness and operational flexibility. The AW149 is also equipped with modular armament systems and defensive aids, including radar and missile warning systems, ensuring survivability in high-threat environments. Its robust airframe and high payload capacity make it a versatile asset for modern armed forces.
This announcement follows the recent cancellation by the Ministry of Defence of a previous contract for the lease of four Black Hawk helicopters. The contract was terminated due to the contractor’s failure to meet deadlines, despite an extension granted until the end of October. This decision underscores the government’s strict stance on performance and accountability in national defense projects.
The addition of these helicopters to the fleets of various agencies will significantly enhance national security and the country’s ability to respond to various threats, whether related to natural disasters, maritime challenges, or internal security. For the armed forces, this represents an opportunity to expand and modernize their fleet, enabling them to carry out defense and humanitarian missions more effectively. Similarly, the allocation of helicopters to the police and maritime agencies highlights the growing importance of inter-agency cooperation to address issues such as border security, combating illicit trafficking, and illegal fishing.