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SUBANG JAYA: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will complete the service of all Nuri helicopters in five years, said RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad.
He said helicopter service was phased out throughout the Nuri era, which has been in operation for more than 52 years and is obsolete as most components and spare parts are no longer in production.
“The government has decided to fire Nuri because the maintenance cost of the helicopter is increasing, which makes it difficult for RMAF to continue with its operations.
“The age factor, as well as the challenges in terms of maintenance, have resulted in higher aircraft costs and longer aircraft downtime when damage occurs,” he said at a press conference after the Ceremony of 2020 RMAF Excellence Awards at Subang Air Base near here, today.
He said that for Nuri’s replacement, a local open tender for the rental of helicopters that opened on October 15, closed yesterday.
Ackbal said the next process is to evaluate the tender before deciding which local company will be awarded.
Meanwhile, he said RMAF will acquire the Fighter Lead-In Trainer / Light Combat Aircarft (FLIT / LCA) aircraft in the next three years.
He said that in line with the RMAF 2055 Capacity Development Plan (CAP55), the air force planned to acquire 36 aircraft (FLIT / LCA) in phases, depending on government approval.
“RMAF needs the FLIT / LCA as this dual-function single deck aircraft has a balanced capability in performing functions such as fighter pilot training and for various operational missions.
“The RMAF has requested a government budget for the acquisition of 18 aircraft in phase 1 by registering new projects in 2021 and the phase 2 procurement requests for another 18 aircraft in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13) “, said.
Previously, the 2020 RMAF Excellence Awards Ceremony was held under new rules following the current Covid-19 pandemic. -Called
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