RMK11 Unofficial List: Helicopters

SHAH ALAM:AS the Malaysian Defence unofficial RMK11 Wish List started with helicopters, I guess the first unofficial RMK11 list should also start with the rotary wing.

As with the unofficial wish list, I do not claim this post and subsequent one as a full confirmation of the assets to be procured. Since I have been told that I was wrong (even by my own readers) on many occasions I guess you should take this with a pinch of salt!

ASW helicopters. It appears that RMN’s long outstanding plans for ASW helicopters will be fulfilled this time around. However as the programme had fallen short before- twice – do not be surprised if funding is taken away at the last minute for other programmes.
As mentioned in the previous post, three machines are expected to contest for the six-helicopter programme. The candidates are AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat, Sikorsky SH-70 Seahawk and the Airbus Helicopter H225M Cougar.
With the H225M already in service with RMAF and a simulator already operating in country, it is clear that the ASW version of the Cougar (already selected by Poland) will be the machine to beat this time around.
As the ASW helicopters are expected to operate mostly in the South China Sea, the Cougar’s bigger hauling capability and longer range are big plus points compared to its smaller competitors. That said the Wildcat and Seahawk smaller size will allow them to be deployed on RMN’s other ships apart from the LCS and the Lekius.

Attack Helicopter. Unfortunately I was told that it will not happen this time. However, we may get the second prize, a light scout attack helicopter in the class of the Boeing AH-6i and the MD Helicopters MD 530G (both are derived from the MD500), known almost colloquially as Little Bird . The MD 530G was displayed at LIMA 2015 with many VIPs taking to the skies for test rides. Which ever helicopter chosen, it is likely to be deployed to the eastern coast of Sabah to protect against possible incursions by kidnappers/pirates or even a self-styled army.

If selected, the light scout attack helicopters are expected to be fitted with forward firing weapons – the Dillon mini-guns and most probably gun and rocket pods. It will be ironic if the gun and rocket pods are procured, these are the weapons already cleared for the AW109 but not purchased. Instead we choose to mount the mini guns on board them, which have ye to be certified by the manufacturer.

Currently the Saudi Forces are using the AH-6Is while the Afghan Army operates the MD-530F in both training and light attack roles. Apart from the mini-guns and rocket pods, the AH-6i is also cleared for Hellfire ATGMs (note the pylons on the picture below) while the 530G is waiting for a customer to request for the capability.

The US Special Forces operates the most advanced version of the Little Bird, the MH-6M. Apart from attack and scout roles, the helicopter are also used to transport up to six SF operators into combat zones.

Heavy Lift helicopters. This was not in the unofficial list. However I was told that with the emphasis on maritime and HADR operations, it appears that heavy lift helicopters would be among assets to be procured this time around.

These machines are likely to be Chinooks or Sea Stallions from ex-US stocks. Numbers are small I am told but it could be higher depending on the circumstances – funding etc. If the procurement do go through it may affect the chance for more H225M purchase for the RMAF
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