The Malaysian Government has signed agreements worth $2.28 Billion at this year’s biennial Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, including several new asset procurements.
These include the purchase of 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and four units of Sikorsky’s Black Hawk helicopters to be leased from Malaysian firm Aerotree Defence and Services.
The acquisitions come as the country looks to upgrade or replace several aging military assets.
Notably, the Malaysian Government allocated $3.99 billion for the defence ministry under this year’s budget, a 10% increase from its funding in 2022.
Earlier, in Feb 2023, the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) won a $920 million deal to supply 18 FA-50 light combat aircraft (LCA) to Malaysia. Besides, the Royal Malaysian Air Force will also be acquiring three unmanned aerial systems from Turkish Aerospace Industries, and two maritime patrol aircraft from Italian firm Leonardo SpA.
The country also has plans to procure more defence assets under the next Malaysian Rolling Plan.
