“Skyward Innovations: Leonardo and Weststar Launch Groundbreaking Helicopter Development Project in Malaysia”

At the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition – LIMA, Leonardo, along with its longstanding partner Weststar Aviation Services (Weststar) of Malaysia, marked the commencement of the largest enhancement and modernization program for Government helicopter fleets ever launched by the manufacturer in the country, aimed at addressing a wide array of national demands for defense, safety, and community support. As part of this program, Weststar expects to acquire up to 28 helicopters of varying types, combining firm agreements and options, primarily between 2026 and 2027. Weststar will lease these aircraft to the Malaysian Government for a duration of 15 years, offering dedicated local support and training services to the operator.

This program represents a significant expansion of Leonardo Helicopters’ presence among various Malaysian military, homeland security, and public service agencies. It includes diverse models for the Royal Malaysian Police and Bomba for law enforcement, utility, transportation, firefighting, EMS/SAR, and emergency response operations. Among the various configurations, the initiative also features AW149 helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and the Royal Malaysian Army, designed for Combat Search and Rescue and utility functions, signaling the debut of the latest generation of multirole military helicopters in Malaysia, further solidifying the acceptance of this model among defense operators globally.

Leonardo continues to strengthen its role within the Malaysian helicopter sector. The company’s mission is to position Malaysia at the core of its growth strategy and as a regional leader in rotorcraft technology and enhanced capabilities within the aerospace sector. Leveraging a long-established presence and collaborations with Malaysian entities, Leonardo is reinforcing its commitment through investments, further localizing industrial activities, and nurturing pathways for innovation.

With a regional center for customer support and training situated near Kuala Lumpur, Leonardo operates the only helicopter Training Academy outside its primary markets. Over the years, Leonardo has facilitated hundreds of helicopters in executing missions such as utility, homeland security, law enforcement, SAR, emergency medical services, maritime patrol, military naval operations, armed reconnaissance, offshore missions, and passenger transport. Currently, Leonardo supports over 70 operators in Malaysia, utilizing more than 240 helicopters, which collectively achieve over 40,000 flight hours per year. In the past decade, the number of locally trained students has more than doubled, reaching hundreds and accumulating several thousand simulation flight hours each year. This positions Malaysia as one of the most vibrant operational bases worldwide, highlighting the country’s strategic importance for nurturing highly skilled professionals.

Leonardo is prepared to further expand its local industrial operations in Malaysia with innovative simulation and training capabilities, including additional Full-Flight Simulators and Interactive Trainers for helicopter functions. The organization also plans to upgrade or develop MRO facilities for advanced blade repairs, electronic systems maintenance, and mission system integration, enhancing Malaysia’s role as a global support hub for Leonardo.

“We’re thrilled to team up with our trusted partner Weststar to address this essential requirement set forth by the Malaysian Government to elevate rotorcraft capabilities that will benefit national defense and security as well as local communities,” stated Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “This latest initiative builds upon the robust presence and the investments made over many years by Leonardo in the nation, demonstrating our capacity to be a reliable partner for critical security and lifesaving missions, while also bolstering the local economy and job prospects. Proximity, Innovation, and professional expertise are vital components of success. Thus, Malaysia remains a key hub for us to serve this nation and the broader region, and we are committed to working alongside its authorities to guarantee our technologies and services function at peak performance.”