Malaysia has launched a landmark 15-year helicopter leasing program with Leonardo and native companion Weststar, marking the biggest authorities rotorcraft modernization within the nation’s historical past. Underneath the settlement, as much as 28 new-generation helicopters of assorted sorts shall be delivered, principally between 2026 and 2027, and leased to the Malaysian authorities for 15 years. The deal is price roughly RM 16-16.5 billion (about $3.5 billion), overlaying helicopter provide, insurance coverage, upkeep, spare elements, coaching, and different providers. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin described the expenditure as “extremely affordable” given these inclusions.
This system brings a mixture of Leonardo rotorcraft to Malaysia’s fleet. Notably, it introduces the AW149 utility helicopter into the Royal Malaysian Air Pressure (RMAF) and Military for fight search and rescue (CSAR) and transport roles. Malaysia already operates different Leonardo fashions: for instance, the RMAF at the moment fields 4 AW139 intermediate twins (acquired by way of prior leases), and the coast guard has acquired AW189 medium twins. These AW-family helicopters will serve numerous missions. Officers say the fleet shall be utilized by companies such because the police, hearth and rescue (Bomba), maritime company, and armed forces for legislation enforcement, transport, firefighting, EMS, search-and-rescue, maritime surveillance, catastrophe reduction, and CSAR operations. The fleet growth additionally replaces ageing platforms (just like the retired Sikorsky Nuri) and standardizes capabilities throughout branches.
Underneath the lease contract, Weststar delivers the helicopters and offers native assist and coaching. The Defence Minister defined this can be a lease-to-own association, i.e, after 15 years, the federal government should purchase all 28 helicopters for a nominal RM1 every. Distribution has been introduced as 12 helicopters to the RMAF, 7 to the Royal Malaysian Police, 4 to the Maritime Enforcement Company, 2 to the Royal Malaysian Navy, 2 to Hearth & Rescue, and 1 to the Prime Minister’s Division. This large allocation underscores the purpose of “strengthening the operational capabilities of related companies” by a contemporary fleet, as Weststar’s chairman, Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, famous. The lease contract additionally ensures minimal availability (85% readiness) and covers full MRO assist, so end-users needn’t deal with upkeep contracts or procure spare elements.
Deliveries are deliberate primarily for 2026–2027. Coaching and deployment will leverage Leonardo’s regional helicopter coaching academy in Malaysia, which already helps over 70 operators and 240 plane. Officers say the helicopters will begin fulfilling missions quickly after supply, enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that the federal government structured the deal on a government-to-government foundation (backed by Italy) to make sure transparency and price management. Leonardo’s managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, praised the partnership, saying it is going to “ship higher rotorcraft capabilities to learn nationwide defence and safety and the native communities”. In sum, Malaysia’s new Leonardo helicopter lease is a complete Malaysian authorities helicopter improve, aimed toward modernizing the fleet throughout navy and civilian providers, bettering mission readiness, and spreading prices by way of leasing.
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