Kuala Lumpur, May 29 - In a landmark move to bolster its defense and public service capabilities, Malaysia has embarked on one of its most ambitious helicopter fleet modernization programs through a strategic partnership with Italian aerospace giant Leonardo and Malaysian aviation company Weststar Aviation Services. Announced at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA'25) on 20 May 2025, the agreement involves the leasing of up to 28 helicopters to the Malaysian government over 15 years, with deliveries primarily scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Valued at approximately 16 to 16.5 billion Malaysian ringgit (approximately $3.5 billion), this deal marks the largest government rotorcraft expansion in Malaysia’s history, aiming to enhance national defense, security, and emergency response operations across multiple agencies.
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The program encompasses a mix of firm orders and options for various Leonardo helicopter models, with the AW149 medium-lift multirole helicopter being a cornerstone of the initiative. The AW149, designed for military applications, will be introduced to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) and Royal Malaysian Army for utility and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions, replacing aging platforms like the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, which were retired in 2020 after decades of service. The distribution of the 28 helicopters includes 12 units for the RMAF, seven for the Royal Malaysian Police, four for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, two for the Royal Malaysian Navy, two for the Fire and Rescue Department, and one for the Prime Minister’s Department. These aircraft will support a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, maritime surveillance, disaster relief, and transport, reflecting Malaysia’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to national security and public safety.
The leasing arrangement, structured as a lease-to-own model, allows Malaysia to acquire modern equipment while minimizing upfront costs. After the 15-year lease, the government has the option to purchase all 28 helicopters for a nominal fee of one ringgit. Weststar Aviation Services, Southeast Asia’s largest helicopter operator, will manage the delivery, maintenance, and training, leveraging its extensive experience in high-tempo missions such as offshore transport and medical evacuation. Leonardo will enhance its regional hub near Kuala Lumpur, the only helicopter training academy outside its home markets, by introducing advanced full-flight simulators, interactive trainers, and expanded maintenance facilities for blade repair, electronics servicing, and mission system integration. This investment strengthens Malaysia’s role as a strategic aerospace hub in the Asia-Pacific, supporting over 70 operators and 240 Leonardo helicopters currently in service, which collectively log more than 40,000 flight hours annually.
The deal, backed by a government-to-government agreement with Italy, ensures transparency and cost control, as emphasized by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. It builds on Leonardo’s long-standing presence in Malaysia, where it has supplied air traffic control systems and helicopters for three decades. By modernizing its rotorcraft fleet and enhancing local training and support infrastructure, Malaysia is positioning itself to meet contemporary security challenges while fostering economic growth through job creation and skill development in the aerospace sector.
