KUALA LUMPUR: The army is open to any future options for its helicopters if the UH-60A Black Hawk leasing programme is cancelled, said General Tan Sri Hafizuddeain Jantan.
However, the army chief said these options for the helicopters must follow the criteria that have been set.
He said that should the contract be terminated, the army has been directed to work on alternatives.
"Whatever the options are going to be, we shall observe the provisions including those involving a leasing programme with similar value as approved by the government.
"The helicopters also must be of military specification and comply with the army's General Staff Needs (Kesam), and can be delivered within a short period of time," Hafizuddeain told the New Straits Times.
However, he said the UH-60A Black Hawk is the best choice for the army.
"However, we are open to any option if they meet the operational and training requirements as indicated in the specification."
Yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the Defence Ministry (Mindef) is expected to cancel the lease agreement for four UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters, as its supplier failed to meet the delivery deadline, which expires this Wednesday.
He said a final decision would be made if the contractors missed the Oct 30 delivery deadline, but alternative solutions are already being considered for the army.
He had also said the helicopters were intended as a temporary measure under a five-year lease, and not for permanent acquisition.
On Sept 1, Mindef gave the supplier until the end of this month to deliver the four helicopters, but as the deadline approached, no delivery had been made.
In August, the Attorney-General's Chambers had outlined options for the Black Hawks, including proposing termination of the lease contract.
The helicopters were intended to enhance the army's operational capabilities for the next five years.
The Black Hawk helicopters, renowned for their multi-role versatility in both combat and support missions, were seen as a key asset for the army.