Malaysia is set to undertake one of its most extensive helicopter fleet overhauls in recent history, following the launch of a major programme between defence giant Leonardo and Malaysian aviation company Weststar.
According to a joint announcement made at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) on 20 May, the government will receive up to 28 new helicopters through a lease agreement spanning 15 years.
The new rotorcraft, a mix of confirmed orders and options, will be delivered primarily between 2026 and 2027, and will support a wide range of civil and military operations. These include law enforcement, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), disaster response, and combat missions.
The helicopters will be leased to the Malaysian Government by Weststar Aviation Services, which will also provide localised support and training. The deal encompasses several Leonardo helicopter models, notably including the AW149 – a versatile military platform that will now enter service with both the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Royal Malaysian Army for utility and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) operations.
This move marks a significant expansion of Leonardo’s footprint in Malaysia. The country already operates more than 240 Leonardo helicopters across over 70 operators, with a regional support and training hub located near Kuala Lumpur. The hub is the company’s only helicopter training academy outside of its home markets.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, welcomed the development: “We’re proud to join forces with our established partner Weststar to respond to this important requirement set by the Malaysian Government to deliver greater rotorcraft capabilities to benefit national defence and security and the local communities.”
He added that Malaysia remains central to Leonardo’s regional strategy: “This latest initiative builds on the solid presence and the investments made over many years by Leonardo in the country… Malaysia continues to be a critical hub for us to serve the country and the greater region.”
In support of this expansion, Leonardo plans to enhance its local industrial activities in Malaysia by introducing new simulation and training capabilities, including additional full-flight simulators and advanced maintenance facilities. These will support activities such as mission system integration, blade repair, and electronics servicing – bolstering Malaysia’s role as a strategic support hub for Leonardo systems across the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Weststar, Southeast Asia’s largest helicopter operator, brings extensive experience in high-tempo missions such as offshore transport, medical evacuation, SAR, and defence aviation support. Its global footprint and operational expertise are seen as key enablers for delivering the government’s ambitious rotorcraft modernisation goals.
I wonder if we’ll ever get any new medium lift helicopters? Ten years maybe?
It’s all up in the air at the moment.
NIce one….
Decision in Q3 apparently. They’re going through the numbers and rounds of haggling. Then we’ll see how many we end up with. Expecting 20-23, maybe with options for later replacement of the Dauphins
I think it was 40 plus when we started. Now I’m not holding my breath.
So, depending upon what the MoD does with the NMH programme, I’m assuming there’s production capacity in Yeovil, if needed? Or will use of Yeovil be limited based on the models they have the capability to produce there?
The AW149s will be built in Yeovil, AW already getting a line prepared there.
Just think, If we had selected the AW149 years ago, we could have manufactured and exported these helicopters. Instead the decision makers are still dragging their feet, unwilling to spend the money needed to equip our armed forces with the equipment they NEED.
This was a major missed opportunity, Leonard made the offer to the UK that if it ordered the AW149 it would move the export line to its Yeovil site.. the government refused to invest and the opportunity to have a serious export medium rotor line in the UK was passed up.. because for some bizarre reason the conservative governments of the 2000s seemed to hate the UKs military industrial complex..
Hate the UK MIC or hate European links? Maybe just too tight fisted generally?
Yes
I would say it’s not the European link because they almost murder the shipbuilding industry as well and did murder heavy AFV manufacturing. Essentially if you look at the closure rate of our MIC capabilities and capacity after 2010 it’s scary. Just look at the Tide class they essentially told British shipbuilding to not even bother tendering as they were not welcome.. in a procurement that should have always been British.. essentially the sovereign MIC is profoundly linked to a national ability to win a peer war ( ask Ukraine) so a national ability should always be buying from its own MIC and if its MIC cannot provide it should use the contract to lever in the capabilities.