BUTTERWORTH, February 10 – Senior Minister of Defense, YB Dato ‘Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein paid a working visit to Butterworth Air Force Base (PU). The focus of this visit is on 4 Leonardo AW 139 Helicopters acquired on lease for Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) use.
Regarding the acquisition of the AW 139 Helicopter on lease, it is not only in line with the planning and one of the Thrusts under the Action Plan 2022 which is to further increase the alertness and capability of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM). Even more importantly, this helicopter is the wishes and needs of the end user himself, namely the RMAF to strengthen efforts to defend the sovereignty of the country’s airspace.
This AW 139 Helicopter Rental is implemented for several reasons:
i. To accommodate the assignment of NURI Helicopters that have ended operations.
In line with the Cabinet decision on 7 August 2019, the NURI Helicopter has ceased operations. It to some extent interferes with the role of 12 EC725AP Helicopter units in the Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Tactical Airlift and Utility assignments contained in the 4 Dimensional ATM Development Plan.
To cover the use of the EC725AP Helicopter, the Cabinet on 22 January 2020 agreed that the replacement of the NURI Helicopter be implemented using the short -term method of leasing and through the medium -term method for new procurement.
This leasing method is not only more cost effective than purchasing new helicopters, but also allows the RMAF to utilize the required assets in a shorter period of time.
ii. Ensure Aircraft Hours, operating costs and maintenance of EC725AP Helicopters are more effective.
The availability of the AW 139 Helicopter will reduce the use of the EC725AP Helicopter in training and operations. It is also able to save the use of aircraft hours of the EC725AP Helicopter.
The EC725AP helicopter for maintenance will also be able to be spaced. This allows the operating and maintenance costs of the EC725AP Helicopter to be reduced during the rental period of the AW 139 Helicopter.
iii. Maintain the competence of the NURI Helicopter crew.
The AW 139 Helicopter Rental will be an important platform for the RMAF helicopter fleet, especially the NURI Helicopter crew, to restore their competencies and expertise and further utilize the RMAF.
For information, the AW 139 Helicopter will be stationed at No.3 Squadron, PU Butterworth. The RMAF chose this AW 139 Helicopter because of its ability to carry out operations that give tactical, operational and strategic importance to the RMAF and the ATM. The AW 139 helicopter is capable of performing the role and utility duties of the RMAF helicopter fleet and is able to operate during the day and night.
From the point of view of this AW 139 Helicopter rental method, it uses the concept of Government Operate, Company Own and Maintain (GOCOM). Under this concept, all aircraft maintenance costs are under the responsibility of the company that leases these helicopters.
It is important for me to inform that, apart from the rental method, the purchase of new helicopters is also in the future plans of the RMAF. NURI Helicopter replacement is planned to be implemented starting in 2026.
A total of 12 helicopters will be procured in phase 1 (13th Plan which is 2026 to 2030) and then 12 more helicopters will be procured in phase 2 (14th Plan which is 2031 to 2035). As I mentioned several times before, the specification requirements for this new helicopter will not be determined by MINDEF but the end user himself, namely the RMAF. Details about it will be informed from time to time.
B. REQUIREMENTS OF OTHER ATM ASSETS THAT ALSO USE THE GOCOM METHOD
I would also like to inform that the use of the AW 139 Helicopter on rental that we are witnessing today is not the first time it has been used.
There are several other types of ATM assets that have been utilized using the same method before. It includes:
i. Airbus EC120B Training Helicopter and Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD) for the Use of the RMAF Helicopter Pilot Basic Course:
• 5 EC120B Helicopter units
• 1 unit of System Simulator
ii. Sand Op Boat Rental includes:
• 10 units of Fast Interceptor Boat (FIB)
• 10 Utility Boat units
• 10 units of Rigid Hull Fender Boat (RHFB)
• 10 units of Rover Fiber Glass (Rover)
The Government chose to adopt the GOCOM method because it is an out -of -the -box approach that is much needed, especially when the Government’s financial focus is on the country’s recovery efforts in the current pandemic era.
With this GOCOM method, the time period to implement the procurement process, including related to tenders and asset construction can be reduced. It also allows ATMs to use the required assets more quickly. The government has not ruled out continuing to use the same method to meet the short-term asset needs of the three branches of ATM services.
