On Thursday at the Paris Air Show, the Malaysian Ministry of Defence signed a supplementary contract with Eurocopter related to the supply of 12 EC725s. These aircraft will be operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force in search and rescue (SAR) and utility missions.

The contract was signed with Eurocopter Malaysia in the presence of H.E. Dato’ Seri Kong Cho Ha Minister of Transport Malaysia, Dato´ Sri Dr. Haji Ismail Bin Haji Ahmad Secretary General, Ministry Of Defence Malaysia, General Tan Sri Rodzali bin Daud Chief of Royal Malaysian Air Force and Dato´ Nadzri Bin Siron Undersecretary, Procurement Division, Ministry Of Defence Malaysia.

This contract covers the supply of 12 SAR-configured EC725s, along with associated training, spares and tools. The new EC725s will complement, and eventually replace, the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s current fleet of aging Sikorsky S-61 helicopters, which is known as NURI.  The EC725s will allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to perform its SAR and utility missions day and night, and in all weather conditions.