ROME: Malaysia intends to purchase maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels from Italy to bolster its national security capabilities, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The acquisition will include two Maritime Patrol Aircraft designated for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Additionally, Malaysia also plans to procure 28 Leonardo AW149 helicopters, while the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is expected to supply multi-role support ships (MRSS) and littoral mission ships (LMS).
These defence assets will help strengthen Malaysia's longstanding bilateral ties with Italy, renowned for its advanced military industry, Anwar said at his exit press conference at the conclusion of his three-day official visit to Italy Thursday (July 3).
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who accompanied the Prime Minister on the visit, added that details of the procurement would be finalised to ensure Malaysia benefits from areas such as centralised training and other cooperative opportunities.
Initially, operations for the maritime patrol aircraft are expected to be based out of Batu Berendam Airport in Melaka, he noted.
Mohamed Khaled also said Malaysia has proposed that the acquisitions be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements.
"This approach will help us secure better pricing and asset guarantees directly from the Italian Government," he explained.
The Defence Ministry has also recommended exploring new areas of collaboration between the two countries in the defence sector, including artificial intelligence (AI) and underwater security command centres.
Anwar arrived here on Tuesday (July 1) for a maiden official visit at the invitation of his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni. This is part of Anwar's three-nation visits to Italy, France and Brazil, which form part of Malaysia's ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level.
Anwar will later depart for Paris, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day stay there.
Subsequently, Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. - Bernama
