Eurocopter Signs Contract Supply 12 EC725 Helicopters To Malaysia

KUALALUMPUR-(IDB) : Eurocopter signed today with the Malaysian Ministry of Defence a cooperation contract related to the supply of 12 EC725 helicopters, to be operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force in search and rescue (SAR) and utility missions.

In the presence of H.E. Dato' Seri Kong Cho Ha Minister of Transport Malaysia, Dato´ Sri Dr. Haji Ismail Bin Haji Ahmad Secretary General, Ministry Of Defence Malaysia, General Tan Sri Rodzali bin Daud Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force and Dato´ Nadzri Bin Siron Undersecretary, Procurement Division, Ministry Of Defence Malaysia, Eurocopter was truly honoured to sign this contract with the Malaysian Government.

This contract includes 13 comprehensive cooperation projects to be developed with the objective of strengthening Malaysian strategic aeronautical skills and capabilities together with specific attention in education through the development of aeronautical training capabilities in association with Malaysian Universities.

The main fields of cooperation are as below:

- Integration of Malaysian Industry into Eurocopter Global Supply Chain;

- Development of a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre for Government helicopter fleet in Malaysia under a Joint Venture scheme;

- Creation of a regional EC725 / EC225 Full Flight Simulator Centre for operations in Malaysia under a Joint Venture dedicated to Civil and Military customers from Asia and Oceania territories;

- Transfer of technology and know-how through programs to Malaysian Industry, Governmental Entity and Armed Forces;

- Development of an Aeronautical Training Centre.

All the beneficiaries are part of the Malaysian Defence Industry or Governmental entities, and include Boustead, CTRM, CTRM System Integration, Helipartner, Ikramatic, LTAT, National University of Defence of Malaysia, Qdos, SMEA, UniKL Malaysia Institute of Aeronautic and Technology, and Zetro, for which a Letter of Acceptance for the respective projects to DID were handed over during the ceremony.

'This contract opens a new chapter in Eurocopter's relationship with Malaysia and will bring high-value technology and know-how to the country in line with the Malaysian Government Vision 2020,' said Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter Executive Vice President Global Business & Services.

This supplementary contract is linked to Eurocopter's supply of the 12 SAR-configured EC725s, along with associated training, spares and tools. The new EC725s will complement, and eventually replace, the Royal Malaysian Air Force's current fleet of aging Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, which is known as NURI. The EC725s will allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to perform its SAR and utility missions day and night, and in all weather conditions.

Source: AsianMilitary