Leonardo AW189 for Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency

Quite recently it became clear that Leonardo has signed an agreement with the Malaysia Ministry of Defence for the delivery of four AW189 twin-engined, super-medium lift helicopters.

The aircraft are to be used by the Angesi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia (APMM, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency). Ironically, the agreement was signed last year on the same date that an APMM AW139 (M72-01) crashed off the coast near Kuala Selangor.

It is expected that deliveries will take place between 2025 and 2026. With a capacity of up to 19 passengers and a range of maximum 900km, the AW189 will allow APMM to meet long-range SAR mission requirements. Once delivered they will join the other APMM aircraft (AS365N3, CL-415MP and AW139) on their base at Subang/Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah airport.

The Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department operates the AW189 since December 2018.

Credit photo: Ryan Shanner Ricky (via jetphotos.com)