The Westland Super Lynx has moved a step closer to being selected as Malaysia's new naval helicopter, with the navy coming down in favour of direct negotiations with the UK manufacturer instead of going to a planned competitive tender.
The Royal Malaysian Navy has already completed an evaluation and signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Westland, say local sources. Contractual negotiations, however, cannot begin until the navy's decision is endorsed by the Malaysian Economic Planning Unit and Ministry of Finance, and a procurement budget authorised.
Competing manufacturers are lobbying to overturn the LoI and open up the requirement to tendering. The finance ministry had originally planned to issue a restricted request for tenders (RfT) at the end of May, with a final type selection due in September (Flight International, 14-20 May, P24).
The navy had submitted a shortlist of candidate helicopters to the ministry. Aside from the LHTEC T800-powered Super Lynx, they included the Eurocopter AS565 Panther, Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk. The navy subsequently opted for direct negotiations with Westland, and consequently the RfT was not issued.
Malaysian procurement policy normally calls for competing bids to be submitted. Exceptions are made, however, when otherwise directed. One recent example was the Government's announcement that it was opening negotiations with South Africa to purchase the Denel CSH2 Rooivalk attack helicopter, without issuing an RfT.
Malaysia has a requirement for up to six helicopters, but is thought likely to elect to order three machines initially. Delivery is tentatively scheduled for 1999 and 2000. The new helicopters are needed to replace the navy's nine Westland Wasps and to equip two new GEC-Marine built frigates, which are now not due to enter service with Malaysia until March and May 1998.
Source: Flight International