Helicopter deliveries delayed but contract for F/A-18s could still go ahead next year
Malaysia has postponed taking delivery of 10 Mil Mi-171 military search-and-rescue helicopters as a result of budgetary constraints that have also forced it to push back several planned military aircraft procurements.
Local sources say Malaysia has already committed its defence budget for the next two to three years and will struggle to complete any new purchases, although special cases may still be made for key projects to acquire airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) and multirole fighter aircraft.
Embraer remains the favourite in a contest to supply four AEW&C aircraft, which remains a top priority for Malaysia's new government in delivering better surveillance coverage to counter terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking. Embraer and SaabTech, offering the Ericsson Erieye radar on an EMB-145 or Saab 2000, respectively, both believe a selection could occur soon, although US rivals believe a choice is not imminent. Malaysia has evaluated Boeing's modified 737, Lockheed Martin's converted P-3 Orion and Northrop Grumman's E-2C Hawkeye 2000 for the requirement.
Arecent souring in Malaysian-US relations could rule out any purchase of US equipment this year, but Boeing is confident that it will secure a deal for 18 F/A-18FSuper Hornet fighters. Boeing says discussions continue and a new financing proposal will be offered soon. Local sources believe Malaysia will find a way to buy Super Hornets, and say a decision could be made next year.
Malaysia signed a preliminary deal for 10 Mi-171s in 2003, and had planned to take delivery of the aircraft this year from Mil's Ulan-Ude factory, with Airod slated to install new Western avionics from 2005-7. But industry sources say the deal has yet to be completed, and deliveries have been delayed until at least 2005.
Malaysia's air force needs to replace Sikorsky S-61 Nuri utility helicopters and has evaluated avionics upgrades for its RSK MiG-29 and Northrop F-5 fighters. Only a deal for 17 used Aermacchi MB339CD trainers may go through in the short term as it is backed by private financing (Flight International, 6-12 April).
The army, meanwhile, is looking to add training and attack helicopters; the navy requires a maritime patrol aircraft; and the coastguard is evaluating search-and- rescue helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
Source: Flight International
