PETALING JAYA: Airbus Helicopters Malaysia is set to increase its presence in the military front on the back of the government’s fleet renewal plans as well as growth in the segment.
Airbus Helicopters Malaysia managing director Axel de Pascal (pic) said the company is confident that any fleet renewal and growth in the country’s military helicopter segment will lead to an expansion of its partnerships in the country.
“We expect an uptick in military demand for special operations, search-and-rescue, and tactical transport within Malaysia and regionally. This is where Airbus’ H225M is best suited for a wide range of mission requirements,” he said at a media briefing at Airbus’ helicopter facility in Subang today.
De Pascal said Budget 24 mentioned that there is a provision for the procurement of 12 helicopters by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and there are also needs expressed for the police.
Airbus Helicopters Malaysia has a share of more than 50% in military and civilian/offshore markets combined and is the market leader in the country. About 50% of the 190 helicopters currently in service throughout Malaysia are from Airbus Helicopters.
De Pascal said Airbus Helicopters is committed to deepening its current partnerships and the ecosystem in Malaysia.
Currently, the H225M is contracted by 10 military forces worldwide with more than 170 units delivered, over 40 on order and 50 more supporting governmental agencies on search and rescue missions.
Four of the 10 H225M military customers are in Asia-Pacific, including Malaysia.
The use of the H225M underlines the success of this force multiplier which enables operators to deploy rapidly in all-weather environments. This is in addition to the large number of H225 operators utilising the versatile helicopter for various civil and parapublic missions.
The RMAF currently operates 12 H225M helicopters from its bases in Kuantan and Labuan. The air force’s H225M fleet has been recognised as the world’s highest military flyer per aircraft, achieving over 30,000 flight hours today.
Designed to undertake demanding missions, H225Ms have participated in military exercises and humanitarian missions over the last 10 years, including flood rescue, pandemic aid and lifesaving operations.
“Malaysia is already very familiar with the H225M’s capabilities, and will be able to benefit from a common fleet with immediate operational readiness and reduced operational costs,“ said de Pascal.
He reiterated that any growth on the military front will inevitably see an expansion of the company’s existing footprint in terms of partnerships and the ecosystem.
“We are confident that the additional H225Ms 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.
