Two attack helicopters for Lahad Datu by April
KOTA KINABALU: Two Light Attack Helicopters, MD-590G, will be placed in Lahad Datu before April this year.
Defense Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the capability of the aircraft from the McDonnell Douglas company, are able to address the security threats in the state with the help of existing aircraft.
“Although these helicopters are not like other combat helicopters such as the Apache AH-64 and the EC-665 Tiger, they are capable to be used for such threats in Sabah, and with the existing assets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), we are able to provide better security to our country and especially to Sabah.
“I also expect both aircraft to be placed in Lahad Datu by April to strengthen the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) defense,” he said.
Hishammuddin said this at a press conference during his visit to the Royal Malaysian Army (RMA) 5 Briged camp at Kem Lok Kawi in Putatan yesterday.
Also present were Air Force Chief, General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, East Medan Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Mohd Zaki Mokhtar, Eastern Fleet Commander-in-Chief Datuk Pahlawan Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman and Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin.
Meanwhile, Hishammuddin said his ministry is currently identifying the need to deploy five Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPAs), including P3 Orion, p8 Poseidon and CN235, in line with the announcement made by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak during the 2018 Budget.
“We are still looking at some aspects including technical specifications, financial provisions and special provisions program that will be implemented by the Air Force.
“The purchase of assets is still in place and once everything is completed, they will be located in areas where additional assets are required,” he said.