KUALA LUMPUR: Plans for a retender for the acquisition of Black Hawk helicopters for the Army Air Corps are underway, says Army chief Jen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan (pic).
He said several companies have already submitted proposals to supply the aircraft.
“As of now, the parameters remain unchanged, with the project valued at RM200mil, and we require a five-year lease for four aircraft.
“The army is still open to proposals or submissions from any interested and capable parties for this project,” Jen Muhammad Hafizuddeain told Bernama after attending the 92nd Army Day Parade at Dataran PTD, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi here yesterday.
It was reported last November that the Defence Ministry had issued a contract cancellation notice for the lease of four Black Hawk helicopters to the company that had previously won the tender.
On Oct 24 last year, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the decision was made after the company had failed to meet the deadline, even after they had been given an extension.
Commenting on another matter, Jen Muhammad Hafizuddeain said the army is set to receive four AW149 helicopters following the purchase of 28 units under a leasing contract worth RM16bil over 15 years.
“We have been informed that the earliest possible delivery of these aircraft will be in 2027,” Jen Muhammad Hafizuddeain said.
“Although we are getting only four units, we are grateful to the government as this will help bridge the capability gap we currently face in air transport,” he added.
