Malaysia Invites Bids for new Maritime Patrol Aircraft

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is inviting bids for the acquisition of two new manned maritime patrol aircraft.

An online briefing for the tender was conducted on 1 October 2020 in Kuala Lumpur. Members of the defense ministry’s Defense Industry Division (BIP), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF)’s MPA Acquisition Project Team and representatives from local and international companies interested in the tender participated in the briefing, according to media reports.

Additionally, the Asian nation wants to buy three medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aerial systems. The first announcement of plans to buy MPAs and drones was made in late August.

The RMAF this month presented its plan to acquire a full-spectrum Maritime Patrol Aircraft in line with the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55). It is likely to split its requirement for MPA and maritime UAS into two tranches, with this first tranche coming under the country’s 2021-2025 five-year spending plan.

Under its Capability 55 plan, the Royal Malaysian Air Force has an eventual requirement for 4-6 maritime patrol aircraft and six drones.

Potential manned aircraft in the running include Airbus C-295, Leonardo ATR-72, Boeing P-8A Poseidon, Kawasaki P-1 and PTDI CN-235. The UAS contest could be between General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper, AVIC Wing Loong, Leonardo Falco and TAI Anka.