LANGKAWI, Mar 23 – The Ministry of Defence today witnessed the signing of contracts and other documents worth more than RM3.7 billion at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said 11 contracts, 12 memorandums of understanding, seven letters of acceptance and five letters of intent were signed between industry players, the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and Defence Ministry.
“We have seen an increase of 81% in terms of agreements. In Lima 2015, they were only worth a total of RM2.04 billion. At a time of uncertain economy, recession and budget constraints, we still have this advantage that we need to strengthen, and the important thing is all three parties involved in the agreements will work closely within those limits.”
Hishammuddin said among the contracts signed today was one for procurement of four Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) in a joint venture between the government and a Chinese company through direct negotiations with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, Bernama reported.
“I believe through what has been agreed upon and signed, it means our promise to the Royal Malaysian Navy and the people regarding the four LMS that we wanted to build is progressing.” Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sikorsky S61A-4 Nuri helicopter that had been upgraded will have new capabilities and lifespan (supportability) lasting 15 years.
Chief executive officer of AIROD Sdn Bhd Major-General Datuk Ibrahim Bahari said this upgrade had improved the aircraft’s Instrument Flight Rule capability, allowing the aircraft to fly during day and night in all weather conditions. He said additional capabilities include enhanced safety features and tactical capabilities and standardisation of aircraft system across the fleet and deals with obsolescence issue.
Ibrahim was met by reporters after handing over Sikorsky S614-A Nuri to the RMAF Chief, Datuk Seri Affandi Buang, witnessed by Hishammuddin here today. The upgrading process was carried out at AIROD’s Subang Facility involving the transfer of technology from its technical partner Heli-One Norway, and it was completed within a short time frame of only 11 months from the design to flight test. — Bernama
