On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Italian company Leonardo and Malaysian firm Weststar Aviation Services — a long-standing regional partner — announced a new collaboration to supply 28 helicopters of various types to the Malaysian government as part of capability expansion and modernization programs.
AW149 / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG
As part of the program, Weststar plans to deliver up to 28 helicopters of various types, through a mix of confirmed orders and options, most of which are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2027. Weststar will lease the helicopters to the Malaysian government for 15 years, providing dedicated local support and training services for the end users.
The program marks a significant increase in Leonardo Helicopters’ presence among various Malaysian military, internal security, and public service operators. It includes different helicopter types for the Royal Malaysia Police and the Fire and Rescue Department, intended for law enforcement, transport, firefighting, medical evacuation (HEMS/SAR), and disaster relief missions.
Among the various models, the program also includes AW149 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Malaysian Army, designated for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions and transport roles.
Leonardo continues to strengthen its role in the Malaysian helicopter market. The company envisions making Malaysia a central hub of its expansion strategy and a regional leader in rotorcraft and broader aerospace capabilities. Building on its long-standing presence and partnerships with Malaysian entities, Leonardo is reinforcing its commitment through investment, increased localization of industrial activities, and the development of innovative capabilities.
AW189 / Photo: Malaysian Coast Guard (Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia)
With its regional customer support and training center near Kuala Lumpur, Leonardo operates the only helicopter training academy outside its home markets. Over the years, Leonardo has delivered hundreds of helicopters carrying out missions such as transport, internal security, law enforcement, SAR, medical rescue, maritime patrol, military missions for the navy/coast guard, reconnaissance, offshore transport, and passenger flights. Today, Leonardo supports more than 70 operators in Malaysia, who collectively operate over 240 helicopters, logging more than 40,000 flight hours annually. Over the past decade, the number of cadets trained locally has more than doubled, reaching into the hundreds, with thousands of simulated flight hours conducted each year. This makes Malaysia one of the most active operational bases in the world, underscoring the country’s strategic importance in developing highly skilled professionals.
Leonardo is now ready to expand its local industrial operations in Malaysia with new and advanced simulation and training capabilities, including additional full-flight simulators and interactive helicopter trainers. The company also plans to enhance or build new MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) infrastructure, covering rotor repairs, electronic systems servicing, and mission system integration, further strengthening Malaysia’s role as a global support hub for Leonardo.
“We’re proud to join forces with our established partner Weststar to respond to this important requirement set by the Malaysian Government to deliver greater rotorcraft capabilities to benefit national defence and security and the local communities,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “This latest initiative builds on the solid presence and the investments made over many years by Leonardo in the country, demonstrating we can be a reliable partner for key security and life-saving objectives, as well as the local economy and employment opportunities. Proximity, Innovation, and professional skills are key drivers of success. Thus, Malaysia continues to be a critical hub for us to serve the country and the greater region, and we’re committed to staying beside its Authorities to ensure our technology and services perform at their very best.”
Photo: Leonardo
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia; RMAF) currently operates four AW139HOM helicopters leased until the end of 2027. These are also in service with the Royal Malaysian Navy (of the two previously held, one was lost in a crash; the purchase of three additional units is planned). Meanwhile, the Malaysian Coast Guard (Agensi Penguatkuasaan Maritim Malaysia) is expected to receive four AW189 helicopters (which are the civilian variant of AW149) in the near future.
On October 6, 2024, the Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces, General Tan Sri Mohammad Ab Rahman, announced at a press conference the plan to lease 12 AW149 multi-role support helicopters for the air force. A second phase is expected to include the acquisition of another 12 helicopters, although the specific model has yet to be determined.
Based on a press release