Malaysia will lease up to 28 new-generation helicopters from 2026 to 2027 under its largest ever helicopter expansion and modernisation initiative, aimed at strengthening national defence, security and emergency response capabilities.
Announced at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, the programme will see Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd deliver the helicopters in partnership with Italy’s Leonardo. The aircraft will include the AW149 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, as well as other variants for the Royal Malaysian Police and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), supporting missions such as CSAR, transport, law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, SAR and disaster relief.
The helicopters will be leased to the Malaysian Government for a 15-year period, with Leonardo also providing training and localised support to ensure long-term operational readiness.
Separately, Weststar also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melaka State Government to develop an Aviation Centre of Excellence at Melaka International Airport (LTAM). The centre will include a flight training facility, helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, and logistics support.
The 17.1-acre project aims to boost employment and strengthen TVET programmes in aviation engineering. Both parties are targeting a two-year period to finalise the technical and commercial aspects of the development.