Malaysia signs Contract to Lease 4 Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters, Orders ATR 72MP

Malaysia has signed a contract worth of RM187 million for the leasing of 4 Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters for the Malaysian Army Aviation.

The contract was signed with a local outfit, Aerotree Defence & Services, at the ongoing Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition.

Two of the helicopters will be delivered this year, while the other two will be handed over to the military in 2024. The rotorcraft will serve in the transport role.

“This aircraft functions as a platform to the Nucleus Team for the purpose of training and operational flight duty,” as per Malaysia’s defense ministry.

Malaysian pilots and technicians will undergo training for six months.

Another contract valued at MYR790 million was signed with Leonardo for a pair of ATR 72MP MPAs under “Phase 1” of an MPA acquisition programme.

In addition, a contract was signed with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) for a trio of Anka 2 combat UAVs under the Medium Altitude Long Endurance Phase 1 requirement. Malaysian media peg the value of the UAV contract at MYR424 million.

Kuala Lumpur originally announced the Leonardo and TAI deals in October 2022.