LANGKAWI: The Defence Ministry today saw the inking of 43 letters of acceptance and intent and eight memoranda of understanding.
The deals, worth RM10.128 billion, were signed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition 2023 (Lima ’23).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said there were more deals in the pipeline and, in fact, had already been in advanced talks, but these were now under review.
He said he hoped the deals signed today would arrive in good time and good condition.
Among the more significant deals was for the purchase of 18 Korea Aerospace Industry FA-50 jets whIch will be used as both flight lead-in trainers (FLIT) and light combat aircraft (LCA).
This is the single-biggest contract of Lima ’23, worth RM3.84 billion.
The FLIT and LCA roles are currently being carried out by the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Hawk 108 and 208 aircraft manufactured by the United Kingdom’s BAE Systems.
Other deals of interest were for the the purchase of fast interceptor craft for the Royal Malaysian Navy from Gading Marine Industry (M) Sdn Bhd in a deal worth RM197 million, the RM789.6 million procurement of marine patrol aircraft from Italian company Leonardo and three unmanned aerial system medium altitude, long endurance (UAS-MALE) drones for RM423.8 million.
The government also announced the leasing of four Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force from Aerotree Defence & Services Sdn Bhd.
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