SUBANG: Airbus Helicopters is committed to meeting the Malaysian government's need for military helicopter, an executive said.

The company, however, could not answer on the possibility that its helicopters could be selected as an additional fleet for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).

Airbus Helicopters Malaysia managing director Axel de Pascal said he could not comment on the government's decision to select the type of helicopter.

But he could assure that the European helicopter manufacturer is always ready to meet the requirements needed by the country. 

"I cannot comment on the government's decision to select the type of helicopter. What I can say is that wherever there's a requirement expressed by the Malaysian government, we are there.

"We have been here (in Malaysia) for 20 years. We are there to answer and propose our products in which we believe that they are providing the best value for money in terms of operations, in terms of recurring costs," de Pascal said at a media briefing here today. 

The Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail yesterday said MMEA would receive four new helicopters worth RM600 million after the ministry finalises the purchase of these aircraft. 

Saifuddin said the next step is to visit the premises of the shortlisted helicopter manufacturing companies before making a decision. 

Airbus Helicopters is looking to increase its share over the next five years in the country particularly on the military helicopter market. 

"We expect an uptick in military demand for special operations, search-and-rescue (SAR), and tactical transport within Malaysia and regionally," de Pascal said.

He also said the best helicopter suited for a wide range of mission requirements is the H225M. 

Currently, the H225M is used by 10 military forces worldwide with over 170 units delivered, more than 40 units on order and another 50 units supporting governmental agencies on SAR missions. 

Four of the 10 H225M military customers are in Asia Pacific including Malaysia. 

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) currently operates 12 H225M at its base in Kuantan and Labuan. 

The RMAF's H225M fleet has been recognised as the world's highest military flyer per aircraft, achieving more than 30,000 flight hours today. 

De Pascal said Malaysia is already very familiar with the H225M capabilities and will be able to benefit from a common fleet with immediate operational readiness and reduced operational costs.

He added that Airbus Helicopters is ready to put forth its H225M for the RMAF's consideration when the time comes. 

"We're confident that the additional H225M will complement RMAF's existing fleet. With a ready ecosystem in place, any additional asset will result in considerable increase in efficiency for the air force at all levels," he said.

Under 2024 Budget, funding has been allocated for RMAF to acquire 12 helicopters and on December 2023, RMAF announced that the procurement of the new helicopters would be made through an open tender process by early 2024.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/04/1044635/airbus-helicopters-h225m-malaysias-rmaf-maritime-agency