The Sikorsky UH-60A helicopter, more familiarly known as the Black Hawk, is a revered, battle-tested flying machine.
Built for versatility, reliability and survivability, it can endure significant punishment, thanks to its robust components, excellent build quality and multiple redundancies in its flight control systems.
The secret to the Black Hawk's survivability lies in its self-sealing, crash-capable fuel tanks that can withstand small-arms fire and hard landings.
The main and tail rotor blades are constructed from resilient composite materials, able to absorb ballistic impacts.
Reinforced armour plating shields its occupants from enemy fire.
The Black Hawk's accomplishments are reflected in the countless medical evacuations, search and rescue missions, special operation insertions and extractions, armed escorts, electronic warfare, and executive transport duties over its illustrious 45-year history.
Units typically sell for between US$6 million and US$10 million each, depending on the model and customer needs.
They are manufactured in the United States and under licensed production in Japan and South Korea.
Because of its reputation, 35 nations proudly use the Black Hawk, convincing the Malaysian Army Aviation Unit to become a new customer.
Alas, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has derailed the delivery of the helicopters to the Malaysian Armed Forces, as it has disrupted numerous other supply chains.
Aerotree Defence and Services Sdn Bhd secured a RM187 million government contract last year to lease four Black Hawks, but the Ukrainian invasion forced deliveries to be postponed to April, as the US focuses on diverting material, money and resources to the beleaguered Ukrainians.
With the April deadline also having passed, the Malaysian government is now considering terminating the contract and penalising the firm.
The government could exercise some patience and wait out the war, in hopes that the Black Hawks may eventually be delivered. However, the army is growing impatient, compelling a re-tendering for new bids to lease the Black Hawks.
Still, there is no guarantee that a newly contracted supplier can meet a near-future deadline.
To resolve this dilemma, Aerotree Defence and Services could attempt to persuade the US Defence Department to open a "small window" to expedite delivery.
This would involve exerting influence, perhaps by hiring a high-powered, and expensive, Washington lobbyist to appeal to Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, or even as high up as the White House.
This may be beyond the realm of Aerotree Defence and Services' capabilities, given that the Americans are prioritising strategic and critical needs, which means Israel and Ukraine receiving priority for military equipment.
Whatever the case, the Malaysian army's goal of deploying Black Hawks will be on the backburner for months, if not years.
The army has two options: to buy or lease used Black Hawks from a current user country with delivery guarantees, or to shop around for a different helicopter from another manufacturer, one that may not be as reputable as the Black Hawk but is just as reliable and, crucially, uncomplicated when it comes to sales and delivery.