ARAU – In the effort to strengthen the country’s air defence, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be receiving new assets soon.
RMAF chief, Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad said the proposed acquisition of three new RMAF assets had obtained the approval of the government.
“Tenders for the purchase of ‘Maritime Patrol Aircraft’ (MPA), ‘Unmanned Aircraft Systems’ (UAS) and ‘Ground Based Radar’ have been issued and are now in the process of procurement,” he told Bernama here today.
He said after an audience with the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Putra Jamalullail at Istana Arau here today. Also present was the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
Ackbal said the government had also approved the application to lease helicopters to replace Nuri helicopters which would be decommissioned.
“The application (to lease helicopter) have been approved, we are in the process of conducting the lease,” he said.
He said RMAF also hoped to acquire light combat aircraft (LCA).
“The aircraft (LCA) is capable of taking on dual functions as ‘Light Combat Aircraft’ and ‘Fighter Lead in Training’,” he said.
Asked on his views on the tabling of Budget 2021, Ackbal hoped the government would consider RMAF’s application to empower air defence further.
–BERNAMA
