Honeywell eyes govt contract

SINGAPORE: Honeywell Aerospace will continue to engage with the government for systems upgrades on the country’s Lockheed C-130 Hercules jets.

Honeywell Aerospace (Defence and Space) Asia-Pacific vicepresident Tim Van Luven said the company would promote its speed satellite communications system, JetWave, to be used on the C-130 aircraft in the country.

“Currently, Malaysia is not using our JetWave programme. We’re planning to talk to the (Royal Malaysian Air Force) in the second quarter. Right now, we’re still building our organisation and team in Malaysia,” said Van Luven at the Singapore Airshow here yesterday.

He added that Honeywell Aerospace would also support Malaysia in upgrading its ageing military airplanes as the country does not plan to replace its combat fleet this year.

Australia is currently the only country that uses the JetWave system in its C-130-J aircraft.

The RMAF has 14 C-130 jets, with four KC-130 Hercules being used as tankers while the remaining 10 are used for transport.

Honeywell Aerospace (defence and space) Asia-Pacific sales director Derek Lockett said Australia was the first country in the world to implement the JetWave system on its military airplanes.

“The role of the military, especially in this region, is increasing. I think what most countries focus on is direct connectivity.”

“With the JetWave system, the military can instantly see what happens on the ground via video streaming or video conferencing. Instant information is a gamechanger for the military,” said Lockett.

Currently, Honeywell Aerospace is in talks with Indonesia on upgrading the country’s military planes to enable the JetWave system.

On the outlook of the defence industry in Asia Pacific, Honeywell Aerospace said the region would resume its position as the driving force behind long-term growth in global defence spending in 2018.