The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are currently evaluating the Leonardo AW149 as a potential replacement for the aging Nuri (company designation S-61A-4 Sea King) helicopters used by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). This decision follows a plan for phased procurement aimed at enhancing the RMAF’s capabilities, including the addition of 24 new helicopters. Airtimes reported that General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, shared details of this plan during a press conference following the 91st Malaysian Armed Forces Day Parade at Kem Segenting, Port Dickson. According to him, the acquisition will be executed in two phases: “Phase 1 involves 12 units of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)-capable utility helicopters, while Phase 2 will see an additional 12 helicopters.” The Malaysian government has expedited the Phase 2 acquisition, with an emphasis on aligning the process with broader defense modernization initiatives.
“The Phase 2 procurement has been brought forward following the government’s directive to integrate the helicopter acquisition program for use by various ministries and government agencies through a privatization model via asset leasing. We are currently looking at the Leonardo AW149, which has the capability to perform CSAR missions as well as utility tasks. The current status involves reviewing the key terms of the concession agreement for this asset leasing method, which will be submitted to the Cabinet for further approval,” General Mohammad Ab Rahman explained. The program’s coordination is being managed by the Public-Private Partnership Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department and the National Security Council. The AW149 was selected after a thorough review by the Public-Private Partnership Committee for the RMAF. General Mohammad Ab Rahman emphasized that this choice followed a rigorous value management process in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies.
The Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King (company designation S-61) is an American twin-engined anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter designed and built by Sikorsky Aircraft. The Sea King has also proved to be popular on the export market with foreign military customers, and has also been sold to civil operators as well. As of 2024, many examples of the type remain in service in nations around the world, although some major users have begun to retire the type. The Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, a modified version of the SH-3 Sea King, served as a versatile utility and search and rescue (SAR) helicopter for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). With its twin-engine design, the Nuri was capable of various missions, including troop transport and emergency rescue operations in challenging terrains. First introduced in 1961, the Nuri became a reliable workhorse for the RMAF. After nearly 60 years of service, the Nuri was officially retired on January 7, 2020, making way for newer aircraft in the RMAF fleet.
The Leonardo AW149 is a medium-lift, multi-role military helicopter developed by AgustaWestland (now Leonardo). Launched in 2006 with its first flight in 2009, it received military flight certification in 2014. The AW149 has since entered military service with Egypt and Thailand, and a production line has recently been established in Poland to fulfill new orders, including a pending request from North Macedonia. The helicopter is positioned as a competitor to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, offering greater cargo capacity and more powerful engines compared to its predecessor, the AW139. It is designed for demanding military missions, such as CSAR, and offers robust landing gear capable of absorbing high-impact touchdowns.
