SUBANG JAYA – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will be terminating the service of all Nuri helicopters within five years, said RMAF chief Gen Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad.
He said the helicopter service was phased out over the age of Nuri which has served more than 52 years and are obsolete as most of the components and spare parts are no longer in production.
“The government has decided to terminate Nuri because the cost of maintaining the helicopter is getting higher which made it difficult for RMAF to continue its operations.
“Age factor as well as challenges in terms of maintenance have resulted in higher aircraft costs and longer aircraft downtime when damage occurs,” he said in a press conference after the RMAF Excellence Awards Ceremony 2020 at Subang Air Base near here today.
He said for Nuri’s replacement, a local open tender for helicopter rental which was opened on Oct 15, closed yesterday.
Ackbal said the next process is to evaluate the tender before deciding which local company will be awarded.
He had earlier in this year, hinted at Nuri’s retirement.
Ackbal on Jan 8 said the RMAF had forwarded its recommendations to the Defence Ministry to either lease or procure new helicopters.
“A lot depends on the availability of funds, which is the crux of the matter.
“Hopefully, a firm decision can be made in the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021-2025).”
Nuri helicopters had been grounded following a near-fatal crash at the Gubir army camp in Kedah on Aug 2 last year.
In that incident, one of the helicopters, which took off from the Butterworth air base, was carrying four crew members, 11 personnel and supplies for a mission when it apparently suffered a mechanical failure.
All on board sustained injuries.
Malaysia previously planned to phase out the helicopters by 2012, after more than 80 personnel were reportedly killed in more than 20 crashes since they were first introduced in 1967.
Two of the most serious crashes were on Nov 14, 1989, when 21 people, including 15 Police Field Force members, were killed in a crash between Gunung Gerah and Gunung Bilah on the Kelantan-Perak border, as well as on Dec 18, 1989, when 16 army officers were killed in a crash near Sungai Lundu in Sarawak, 54km north-east of Kuching.
Among the victims were 2nd Division Commanding Officer Major-General Datuk Mustaffa Awang and 3rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier-General Datuk Hasbullah Yusoff.
Plans to phase out Nuri helicopters were later put on hold due to financial constraints.
Fighter trainer
Meanwhile, Ackbar during today’s ceremony said RMAF will acquire the Fighter Lead-In Trainer / Light Combat Aircarft (FLIT / LCA) aircraft within the next three years.
He said in line with RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), the air force planned to procure 36 aircraft (FLIT / LCA) in phases, depending on the government’s approval.
“RMAF needs the FLIT / LCA as this dual-function single platform aircraft have a balanced capability in performing the roles as fighter pilot training and for various operational missions.
“The RMAF has applied for a budget from the government for the acquisition of 18 aircraft under phase 1 through the registration of new projects 2021 and applications for Phase 2 acquisition for another 18 aircraft in the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13),” he said.
Earlier, the RMAF Excellence Awards Ceremony 2020 was celebrated under new norms following the current the COVID-19 pandemic.
