Monday 27 March 2017

LIMA 2017 - The EXNAVY Entrepreneur

Senator Tan Sri Anwar Mohd Nor and Kdr Retired Wan Zulkifli
 

All the entrepreneur from EXRMN and Admiral MMEA from Left Azhar, Abdullah Thani , Ebby Rizal, Admiral Wan Affandi and Wan Zul



Capt R Anuar Murad CEO BHIC and CEO IKES SDN BHD Tuan Haji Abdul Rahman


My favourite - Admiral ABJ and ARO


The past and Present - still good friends

The famous Laksda Khalid Lenggang and ARO

all about ships

Entrepreneur cum EXRMNOA Model - The famous Reza






LIMA 2017 or all the LIMA was never a boring place for the Navy and the retired officers. (EXRMNO).You can spend 4 days there for business, update your information on latest system on earth, and hang around with old buddies to get latest news who were promoted, retire or demoted. And gossiping about why certain contracts keep retender , or goes to wrong hand. As long as they never went to you, it always wrong hand. 

I was involved with LIMA as from the 1st Lima until 2011. After 2011 i was no longer have commercial value.. age is catching up.. thats not apply to the men anyway !

The best thing to watch during LIMA or any exhibition , how everybody trrying to look important. OEM trying very hard to get as much VVIP to visit their booth. At a point, sponsorship for the event, merchandise and gold are very important to determine who going to visit your booth. 

I am happy that at this age and condition, i was out from limelight and retire from active marketing . i will be very uncomfortable .





Friday 24 March 2017

LIMA 2017 DAY 3: MTC Mobile Offshore Base Station

At LIMA 2017, the Langkawi International Maritime And Aerospace Exhibition currently held in Malaysia, local company Marine Technology Company (MTC) unveiled two Mobile Offshore Base Station concepts. The first one is a "self propelled barge" while the other is an "8-point mooring barge"


MTC Mobile Offshore Base Station LIMA 2017 1
Scale model of the Mobile Offshore Base station "self propelled barge variant" on MTC stand at LIMA 2017

MTC is proposing these new designs to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) which has a requirement for such offshore base stations to complement the existing two ones it has in inventory (PL Tun Sharifah Rodziah which is based on a rig and KA Tun Azizan which is actually a large surface vessel).

The existing and future offshore base stations are intended to protect Malaysia's natural ressources in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone.


MTC Mobile Offshore Base Station LIMA 2017 2Scale model of the Mobile Offshore Base station "self propelled barge variant" on MTC stand at LIMA 2017
The Mobile Offshore Base Station "self-propelled barge" variant is constructed from welded steel. It has a length of 62 meters, a beam of 18.60 meters and a draft of just 3 meters.

It is fitted with fully air-conditionned accommodatons with galley, mess room, recreation room, meeting room, prayer room and control room. The base is designed to accommodate 40 sailors for 1 month at sea. It is fitted with a slipway to easily launch and recover a CB90 type boat. It is also fitted with a large helicopter pad placed forward.

While the Mobile Offshore Base Station "8-point mooring barge" variant shares most of the specifications with the "self-prolled barge" variant, its characteristics differ as follows: It has a length of 44.80 meters, a beam of 17.20 meters and a draft of just 1.5 meters.

An MTC representative at LIMA explained that either variant may be built in less than 1 year.


MTC Mobile Offshore Base Station LIMA 2017 3
Scale model of the Mobile Offshore Base station "self propelled barge variant" on MTC stand at LIMA 2017

 Published: Thursday, 23 March 2017 16:15 navyrecognition.com


LIMA 2017 Day 3: Thales Fulmar mini-UAV for NGPC

SHAH ALAM: Thales Fulmar mini-UAV has been selected for the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC). Six of the NGPC is being built by Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd (DMS), a subsidiary of public-listed Destini Bhd.
The UAV is among the major sub-systems of the NGPC which the builder must sourced, according to the tender requirement. Malaysian Defence had reported previously that the Aselsan SMASH 30mm will be the main gun for the six-vessel NGPC. Please check out the other reports of the NGPC by searching this website.

Thales Fulmar mini-UAV. Thales picture

Thales Fulmar mini-UAV. Thales picture

The Fulmar is described by Thales as a mini-UAV. “Its size is 3.1 meters and weighs 19 kilos, it flies to the altitude of 3,000 meters and can achieve a speed of 150 kilometers per hour. It has a range of eight hours due to a low consumption of the aircraft in flight as a result of its aerodynamic design, and it can fly 800 km without refueling.
This Spanish design counts on a terrestrial and a maritime version. Fulmar is purely Spanish, contributing with a profitable closeness to equipment maintenance as well as to operators’ training.
Fulmar is a competitive solution that can be adapted to different needs and can integrate with other systems to provide a global solution.”



A video from Thales


In my report on the NGPC, I stated that the tender requirement for the boats called for the ship builder – among others – to supply a UAV with the vessels, which is launched and recovered by a skyhook. I stated that the requirement seemed to indicate the Scaneagle UAV was the preferred solution.


Thales Fulmar on its launcher. The launcher could easily be adapted to fit into the deck of a ship.
Thales Fulmar on its launcher. The launcher could easily be adapted to fit into the deck of a ship.

It appears now that the Fulmar also meets that requirement. Perhaps more importantly it is cheaper than the Scaneagle. According to Thales, the Fulmar could also land on water and able to float for 24 hours for recovery in case of engine failure.
The Fulmar apparently had been tested in ESSCOM AOR previously when it was still designated as Ops Pasir – but it was not selected then. The Scaneagle UAV was contracted for the role, since 2012 with efficiency and reliability, flying for some 18 hours per day.

Thales Fulmar



Thales Fulmar

And speaking about my faux pas, I stated previously that the NGPC is being built at a shipyard in Sabah. I could never be so wrong! Actually the NGPC is to built at the Destini shipyard in Port Klang, at the former Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd yard (the original winner of the contract).


SMASH 30mm gun at Aselsan stand. Contracted for the NGPC.
SMASH 30mm gun at Aselsan stand. Contracted for the NGPC.

The keel laying of the first NGPC was held on Nov 18. The release from Destini.
“KUALA LUMPUR,18 November 2015 – Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd (DMS) held a keel laying ceremony of the Coastal Patrol Vessels for Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) at Destini‘s shipyard in Port Klang.
DMS secured the award to build six units of Coastal Patrol Vessels for RM381.30 million. The construction of the vessels will be done in stages; with the first vessel expected to be delivered to MMEA by December 2016 while the last vessel is expected to be delivered by June 2018.
Destini Berhad, a company listed on Bursa Malaysia, has recently announced that it will be acquiring the entire stake in Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd (DES), a wholly owned subsidiary of DMS for RM90.0 million.
Upon completion of the acquisition, Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering Sdn Bhd will undertake the shipbuilding activities of these vessels.
The momentous occasion was officiated by Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and witnessed by Admiral Maritime Ahmad Puzi Ab Kahar, Director General, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Datin Junaidah Kamaruddin, Director General, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Affairs Division.
The Costal Patrol Vessels are state of the art vessels with a comprehensive specification. The vessels can achieve a top speed of24 knots and will have a complement of 41 crew members. The vessels will also be equipped with a 30mm weapon system and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for reconnaissance.
Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan bin Kassim, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office said, “Once operational, these new Coastal Patrol Vessels will be instrumental in raising MMEA’s surveillance capabilities in preventing crime in our Malaysian waters.
These vessels will be placed at the East Maritime Region in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, which face the South China Sea. The vessels will patrol the Economic Exclusive Zone and replace the older patrol vessels that will be decommissioned as they are no longer effective.”

This is the Colombian Coast Guard patrol boat designed by Fassmer which will be the basis of the NGPC.
This is the Colombian Coast Guard patrol boat designed by Fassmer which will be the basis of the NGPC.

Tan Sri Rodzali Daud, Chairman of Destini Group said, “We are very confident with our capabilities and we will perform to the best of our abilities to ensure that these vessels meet MMEA’s stringent
requirements and are completed on schedule. Furthermore, we are working in collaboration with Fassmer Group, a very established shipyard from Germany to ensure that the vessels are delivered with excellent quality standards.Fassmer Group has been involved in the design of various vessels throughout the world and has over 165 years of track record.”
Will the selection of the Thales Fulmar have a profound impact on the other services hunt for UAVs? It will of course especially with our financially challenged environment.

— Malaysian Defence
Marhalim Abas


Thales to provide unmanned aircraft vehicles to Malaysian Coast Guard



Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, also known as Malaysian Coast Guard has contracted French company Thales to deliver its unmanned aerial vehicles for the country’s patrol vessels.
The contract will have Thales deliver its Fulmar mini-UAV which will then be installed on six New Generation Patrol Crafts (NGPC), being constructed by Destini Shipbuilding and Engineering.
The maritime design of Fulmar allows the aircraft to take-off and land, whilst the ship is in motion.
With a size of 3.1 meters and weight of 19 kilos, the Fulmar flies to the altitude of 3,000 meters and can achieve a speed of 150 kilometers per hour. According to Thales, it has a range of eight hours due to low consumption and can fly 800 km without refueling.
The aircraft can be used for counter-piracy, anti-smuggling operations, fisheries policing and border surveillance.
Starting in 2016, Thales employees in Malaysia will provide local training and support for the Fulmar throughout the system’s life cycle.
navaltoday.com

LIMA 2017 DAY 3: Airbus to boost Malaysian aerospace outsourcing by 25%

Airbus develops presence in Malaysia with new services




Airbus spokesman Florian Taitsch said the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had ordered the inspections and follow-up checks late last year after unexplained cracks were discovered in the combustion chamber of an A400M engine owned by Malaysia.
Airbus spokesman Florian Taitsch said the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had ordered the inspections and follow-up checks late last year after unexplained cracks were discovered in the combustion chamber of an A400M engine owned by Malaysia.



 
The Airbus group aims to boost the value of aerospace production and support services in Malaysia in line with its view of the country as an increasingly important aircraft market, company officials told Jane's at the LIMA 2017 exhibition in Langkawi.
An Airbus spokesman said the company is targeting an increase of 25% in the value of outsourcing in the country across commercial and defence domains. The current value of outsourcing is USD400 million a year, making Malaysia Airbus' largest supplier base in Southeast Asia, but this will increase to at least USD500 million a year by 2021, said officials.

but it was started way back 2013 when they established their new JVC .

Manufacturer to expand footprint in South East Asia

2 OCTOBER 2013 PRESS RELEASE
Airbus is set to develop its presence in Malaysia with the expansion of its joint venture maintenance unit Sepang Aircraft Engineering (SAE) and the establishment of a new Airbus Customer Services Centre. The developments are the first in a series of projects that will see the manufacturer increase its footprint in the fast-growing South East Asian region and provide more support services for operators of its aircraft. 
The initiatives in Malaysia were announced at a ceremony at the SAE premises at Kuala Lumpur International airport today to launch construction of a second hangar at the facility. The ceremony took place in the presence of Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Sri Najib Razak and was attended by Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus.
The new hangar at SAE, which specialises in the maintenance and overhaul of Airbus single aisle aircraft, will have a floor area of 13,000 square metres and will be capable of accommodating three A320 Family aircraft for major maintenance checks. This will be in addition to the existing hangar, which can accommodate six single aisle aircraft at any one time. 
The new Airbus Customer Services facility, 100 per cent owned by Airbus, will be located adjacent to SAE. It will be an expansion of the manufacturer’s global network of offices providing 24/7 specialised major aircraft engineering and repair services. Existing offices offering this support are located in Toulouse, Wichita and Beijing.
“The announcements we are making today reflect the enormous potential we see for the aerospace industry in South East Asia,” said Fabrice Brégier, President and CEO, Airbus. “With a skilled talent pool, quality workmanship and competitive cost base, Malaysia is one of the countries that have the right ingredients to become a key partner for Airbus. This is in line with our strategy to have a stronger footprint in international markets and develop our support services for operators of our aircraft nearer to their home bases.”
The Asia-Pacific region is a core market for Airbus, accounting for 31 per cent of all orders recorded by the company to date. Today, there are more than 2,270 Airbus aircraft in service with 98 operators across the region, with another 2,000 on order with customers for future delivery. This represents 36 per cent of the company's total backlog, reflecting the importance of the region as the fastest growing market for new civil aircraft.
Airbus is the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer offering the most modern, innovative and efficient family of passenger airliners on the market, ranging in capacity from 100 to more than 500 seats.
Note to editors:
SAE is an EASA-approved independent maintenance, repair and overhaul centre (MRO) specialising in support for Airbus single aisle aircraft. The company employs some 400 people and current customers include AirAsia, Tigerair, Lao Airlines and Myanmar Airways International. SAE also houses a regional inventory of spare parts for use by airlines that have selected the Airbus Flight Hour Services (FHS) total support packages for their fleets.
 Airbus holds a 40 per cent stake in SAE with the other 60 per cent held by majority shareholder and company founder Dato’ Syed Budriz Putra.

Airbus forecast 15,000 planes in Asia Pacific

Kuala Lumpur: France-based aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has forecast that demand for new planes in Asia Pacific would increase to 15,000 from the current 6,000 in the next 20 years.
Speaking at a media briefing Monday, Airbus Group Asia-Pacific President Pierre Jaffre said demand in the region expanded 5.5 per cent, annually.
Malaysia, Airbus's third largest market in the region after China and India, would be part of the strong growth with rising demand for the aircraft, he said.
"Our business here ranges from civil airliners to helicopters and military transport equipment.
"Malaysia is also our largest industrial partner in Southeast Asia, with the value of Airbus work undertaken in Malaysia set to increase by 25 per cent to over US$500 million by 2021, from US$400 million now," he said.
More than 700 Airbus commercial aircraft have been ordered by Malaysian-based airlines, including the best-selling single aisle A320, popular mid-size A330 and A380.
Malaysia is also the first export customer for the A400M military airlifter, and over 100 Airbus helicopters in service today.
On another note, Jaffre said preparations were underway for the delivery of the first all-new A350 to Malaysia Airlines Bhd end-December.
Meanwhile, Jaffre said the group was set to be one of the largest international exhibitor at LIMA 2017, showcasing its wide-range of products for the civil and defence market, with eight aircraft participating in the static and flying displays.
The highlight of the opening day will be the fly-pasts with a Malaysia Airlines A380 airliner and a Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M military airlifter. – Bernama

But It was not all together a smooth rides with Malaysia A400 engines that supplied to RMAF, as reported in BERLIN: All A400M military transport plane engines affected by an order from European safety regulators have been inspected and no further cracks were found in their combustion chambers, a spokesman for manufacturer Airbus said on Friday.

Airbus spokesman Florian Taitsch said the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) had ordered the inspections and follow-up checks late last year after unexplained cracks were discovered in the combustion chamber of an A400M engine owned by Malaysia.

No problems had been found in any of the other engines checked, which belong to the first 31 delivered A400M aircraft. "All the engines affected have been inspected and this is a unique incident," Taitsch said.

Facing heavy losses on its programme to supply up to 170 of the aircraft to seven European NATO members, Airbus on Wednesday took a fresh writedown of 1.2 billion euros (£1 billion) and urged the governments concerned not to fine it too heavily for technical snags and delays.

It cited "significant risks ahead" for Europe's biggest defence project, which sources said was originally valued at 20 billion euros but was now slated to cost well over 30 billion.

It was not immediately clear when the company and the NATO buyer nations - Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Spain, Turkey and Britain - would meet to discuss the programme.

The EASA airworthiness directive called for inspections of all engines similar to the Malaysian one, and follow-on checks after 500 hours, and then every 250 hours after that.

A spokesman for the German air force said minor cracks had been found in the 10 affected German A400M engines, but they were common in the combustion chambers and there was no impact on aircraft safety or operation. - Reuters








23 March 2017

LIMA 2017: Malaysia to focus on defence spending

LANGKAWI: Malaysia’s defence spending will continue to grow as its armed forces have embarked on a long-term plan to modernise and upgrade their equipment.
Prime Minister Najib Razak today said a total of RM26 billion had been allocated under the 11th Malaysia Plan to bolster defence, public order and enforcement.
“Defence and security are of paramount importance to any nation as they are vital for maintaining territorial integrity and national sovereignty.”
Najib said this while officiating the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2017 (LIMA ’17) here.
Malaysia needed to equip its armed forces with the capabilities required to face modern warfare, both symmetrically and asymmetrically, he said.
“And LIMA ’17 brought together major aerospace and maritime firms from around the world to demonstrate their state of the art static and aerial displays and cutting-edge technologies.”
This, he said, augured well with the need to equip the armed forces with the capabilities to face modern combat.
“We are very proud that LIMA continues to be an effective gateway to one of the world’s largest maritime and aerospace growth markets and it has become a mainstay of the global events calendar,” he said.
Najib said LIMA ’17, which is the 14th edition since the event’s inaugural organisation in 1991, had gathered 520 companies from 35 countries representing more than 55% of the world’s top 100 maritime and aerospace companies.
He said more than 300 defence and security delegations, 55 visiting warships and boats, 106 aircrafts and 467 journalists from around the world were also attending the event.
“By the week’s end, we estimate that more than 40,000 trade visitors will have walked through the exhibition halls, and that is a great testament to LIMA’s ability to generate business and public interest.”
Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Kedah Menteri Besar Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah, Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein and Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai were among those present at the ceremony.

Chinese Firm Details Littoral Mission Ship Configuration For Malaysian Navy

China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co (CSOC) has revealed details of the Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) configuration it is proposing for Malaysian Navy (RMN).
The company, which will be working with Malaysian shipbuilder Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) on the project, is also displaying a model of the LMS for the first time at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia that runs from 21 to 25 March 2017.
“The LMS will have an overall length of 68.8 m and displace about 680 tonnes at full load. The vessel will have a top speed of 22 kt, and a standard range of about 2,000 n miles at 15 kt.” Pengfei Ren, a deputy general manager from the company's No 2 Military Product Department, was quoted as saying by IHS Jane's 360 Tuesday.

The LMS can be armed with either a 20 mm or 30 mm naval gun in a remote-controlled weapon station (RWCS) turret as a primary weapon, and can accommodate two 12.7 mm machine gun positions on the deck area behind the vessel's bridge.
The platform can carry one 20 ft containerised mission module on deck in the aft section, and can deploy and recover two rigid hull inflatable boats (RHIBs) from launchers located at stern. This provides the ship the flexibility to be configured for a variety of missions including search-and-rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) and maritime surveillance operations.
Pengfei was however not able to give an estimate on the ship's complement, saying that this is still under discussions with the Malaysian government and BNS. He also refused to say if the platform's main weapon system will be sourced from China.

LIMA 2015 Day 3: Contracts Signed Detail.

LANGKAWI: Day 3 of LIMA 2015 kicked off with the contract signing ceremony, the true highlight of any airshow. As duly reported previously by Malaysian Defence, the deal for the MMEA’s New Generation Patrol Craft (NGPC) was one of the highlights of a rather sombre ceremony.
“Please take note that the contract cost listed here stand to be corrected as the Defence Ministry did not provide the media with a written statement apart from the listing of the contracts and parties involved as announced by the emcee, prior to the contract, LOI and LOA signing ceremonyED
Destination Marine Services Sdn Bhd received the Letter of Intent for the supply of the six NGPC for the MMEA, a deal worth RM384 million.
Colombian Coast Guard 40 metre patrol boat

Colombian Coast Guard 40 metre patrol boat
And yes, the Fassmer 43 metre boat design is the solution for the contract as reported by Malaysian Defence previously.
Remember the PFI deal for helo basic training? The LOI was issued for “the helicopter rental services” of six Airbus Helicopters H120 (formerly known as EC120) to replace the Alouette III.

Airbus Helicopters H120.
The RM120 million deal was awarded to Gading Kasturi Sdn Bhd, a little known aviation company. According to the company’s website, Gading Kasturi is a joint venture cooperation between Gading Sari Holdings Sdn Bhd and Mycopter Aviation Services Sdn Bhd.
RMAF chief Datuk Seri Roslan Saad told Malaysian Defence, that the deal was expected to be seal once the contract details were finalised. He said the first helicopter is expected to be delivered soon.
The two LOIs were part of the six LOIs, 8 LOAs, 7 contracts and 5 MOUs worth according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was worth some RM9.3 billion.
The highest value LOI was between CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd, a member company of DRB-Hicom Bhd and UTAC Aerospace for the manufacturing and supply of composite components for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and V2500 components for the Airbus A350.
The LOI is for the extension of the current contract which is worth RM4.2 billion and the new tenure is expected to be 7 years with an annual turnover of RM350 million. (The emcee had earlier announced a much lower amount which led to confusion when the final figures was announced. Hence the sub-title)
The biggest deal for the Defence Ministry at the ceremony was the LOA for the supply of spares and services of MTU engines for the RMN with MTU Services Sdn Bhd, worth some RM650 million.
Meanwhile, Airbus Military was awarded a contract worth some RM263 million, an amendment to the contract to procure the A400M back in 2005. The additional funds is to cover the A400M in service support and maintenance (ISS) programme.
RMAF sole A400M M55-01 on display at LIMA 2015.
Other contracts were those awarded to Pilatus Aircraft (5 PC 7 Mk II turbo prop trainer, RM163 milion), Thales for the supply of optronic and communication equipment for the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fleet (RM50 million), CTRM Aviation Sdn Bhd for composites repair and composites engineering capability for RMAF (RM15 million) and Destini Prima Sdn Bhd for the supply and services of life-raft and life jackets of RMN (RM8 milion).
The Malaysian Armed Forces and Petronas also inked an MOU for the hand over an UAV system (the emcee announced the UAV is the Scheibel Camcopter). Asked about further details on the MOU on whether the Camcopter had been selected and its value, Hishammuddin was unable to do so apart from saying that it was a way for the private sector to assist the government to provide better security especially in Sabah.

Schiebel Camcopter on display at LIMA 2015.
Industry sources told Malaysian Defence, discussions on the project was still on going and if finalised “it will probably involved one Camcopter system with two air vehicles and a ground control station.
As mentioned in previous postings, the other LOIs and LOA are mostly for the support and maintenance of assets operated by the Armed Forces from radars to ships. The companies involved are Zetro Services Sdn Bhd (radars, ATC and air defence equipment), Boustead Naval Shipyard (RMN 17th PV squadron), Thales Raytheon Systems (maintenance of MADGE 3), D Aquarian Sdn Bhd (RMN), Multi Media Consulting Sdbn Bhd (HR MIS), BHIC Bofors Asia Sdn Bhd (Bofors 57mm cannon, RMN) and Saab Grintek Defence PTY Limited (MAWS and LWS for the Flankers).
RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM M54-16 returning to its parking spot after the display at LIMA 2015.

RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM M54-16 returning to its parking spot after the display at LIMA 2015.

LOIs recipients include Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia (air charter and troop movement between peninsular, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan and vice versa) and Ajensi Tulin Sdn Bhd (ZF gearbox for RMN).
MMEA also awarded a contract to FEHM Entity Sdn Bhd to supply, install and commissioned “a complete search and rescue COSPAS-Sarsat Sytem for ground segment and SAR management.”
— Malaysian Defence
Courtesy of Marhalim Abas

LImA 2017 3rd Day : Lima 2017: Malaysia officially receives its latest RMAF A400M aircraft

Wednesday, 22 March 2017 




LANGKAWI: The fourth and final Airbus A400M military aircraft was officially delivered to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) by Airbus Wednesday.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein took delivery of the A400M from Head of Military, Airbus Defence and Space Fernando Alonso on the sideline of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2017 (Lima 2017) exhibition here.

Also present at the ceremony was Air Force chief Jen Datuk Seri Affendi Buang.
According to Affendi, the A400M fleet ensures that the RMAF is well placed to respond to, and undertake a wide range of military and humanitarian operations within Malaysia and in the Asean region.
"We are very proud to take this delivery of our fourth A400M, which is equipped with the latest tactical capabilities," he said.
The first RMAF's A400M was delivered to Malaysia in 2015 and had performed a special fly-past at the opening ceremony of LIMA'15.
LIMA '17 is the 14th edition since its inauguration in 1991.
It has gathered 520 companies from 35 countries representing more than 55 per cent of the world's top 100 maritime and aerospace companies.
More than 300 defence and security delegations, 55 visiting warships and boats, and 106 aircraft were at the event. - Bernama

Malaysian Fourth A400 Handed Over At LIMA 2017


Malaysian Minister of Defence took the official delivery of Royal Malaysian Air Force’s fourth Airbus A400M on the second day of Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2017.
Hishammuddin Onn, Minister of Defence of Malaysia, took delivery of the fourth Airbus A400M military transport aircraft today on behalf of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Airbus said in a statement Wednesday.
Malaysia is the A400M’s first export customer outside of the original European launch nations. Malaysian deputy Defense Minister DS Johari Baharom signed an acceptance document marking the clearance to embark the ferry flight to Subang on March 12. M54-04 was supposed to be delivered in late 2016 but it was delayed following problems affecting the A400M program.
The RMAF previously received its first of four A400M military transport aircraft on March 17, 2015 during the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2015. The second one on January 13, last year. The third and fourth aircraft were to arrive in April and November to be operated by RMAF's 22 Squadron.
Fernando Alonso, Head of Military Aircraft, Airbus Defence and Space, gave a plaque to the Minister to symbolize the official handover of the aircraft.
“With this delivery, the RMAF now has a fleet of four aircraft, and can start to fully benefit from the A400M’s unique capabilities. We look forward to seeing the aircraft in action in the region, and will provide our full support as the RMAF expands its use of the A400M,” said Fernando Alonso.
The occasion also saw the RMAF’s No 22 Squadron commemorate the completion of 2,000 flight hours on the A400M. To mark this milestone, Fernando Alonso presented a plaque to the Chief of Air Force and the Commanding Officer of No 22 Squadron, Colonel Masro Kaliwon RMAF.
Three RMAF A400Ms performed a special fly-past at opening ceremony of LIMA 2017. One 
RMAF A400M is on static display throughout the show from March 21-25, 2017.