PORT DICKSON: The Malaysian Army (TDM) expects to receive Black Hawk helicopters before the end of this month, according to the delivery date set in the second extension letter issued by the Procurement Division of the Ministry of Defence.
Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman stated that if the vendor fails to meet the deadline, the TDM will urge the Procurement Division to take firm action in accordance with the conditions set out in the extension letter.
He explained that if the contract is terminated, the replacement helicopter must be of the same specification and type — the Combat Utility Helicopter (UH-60A) — to meet the operational and general staff requirements of the army's air corps.
"The TDM maintains that the acquisition of these helicopters must comply with all the terms outlined in the letter of acceptance (SST), agreed upon by both the Malaysian government and Aerotree Defence and Services Sdn Bhd.
"Appropriate actions will be taken for any delivery delays by the Procurement Division, including the imposition of late penalties or contract termination if necessary," Mohammad said today.
He added that there is an urgent need to replace the Super Lynx aircraft, as well as some outdated Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) assets.
The RMN still operates some Super Lynx helicopters, which are limited to surface warfare and anti-submarine torpedo launch functions. These aircraft, which have been in service for over 20 years, are expected to operate on a limited basis until 2026.
"The need to replace these maritime combat helicopters is critical," he said, noting that the RMN is currently evaluating options to replace the Super Lynx under the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter acquisition programme, registered in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP).
Mohammad also highlighted that 34 out of the RMN's 53 ships have exceeded their optimal operational lifespan, with 28 of them in service for over 40 years.
Regarding the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), he said that the replacement of 24 Nuri helicopters will be done in phases. The first phase, involving the procurement of 12 Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) helicopters with utility capabilities, has been approved by the government through the 2023 Budget.
The second phase of helicopter procurement for the RMAF has begun, with the government instructing the RMAF to follow a privatised asset-leasing method for ministry or agency use, coordinated by the public-private cooperation unit of the Prime Minister's Department and the National Security Council.
The Leonardo AW 149 helicopter, selected through the private-public committee meeting (JKAS), has been finalised for the RMAF. This model is capable of search-and-rescue and utility missions. The procurement process is currently under review by the value management laboratory, with the main terms of the concession agreement awaiting Cabinet approval. - BERNAMA