6 years on, army’s ‘Little Birds’ land in Malaysia

 

The MD530G light scout attack helicopters undergoing inspection at the air base in Subang. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: Six years after the Malaysian army ordered six MD530G helicopters, valued at over RM300 million, the rotorcrafts have finally arrived.

The army’s public relations department confirmed that the light scout attack helicopters, nicknamed “Little Birds”, arrived in Port Klang on Feb 21 from the US.

It said the helicopters were currently undergoing inspection to ensure they complied with technical and safety requirements.

“The helicopters are undergoing inspection by the directorate-general technical airworthiness for six days until March 2.

“They will then go through a final inspection by the army from March 3-22,” it said.

The department said the helicopters were expected to be part of the army’s plans for three aviation squadrons for light observation, heavy-lift and attack duties.

The six helicopters, manufactured by US aerospace giant McDonnell Douglas’ MD Helicopters Inc, were ordered in 2016 by the defence ministry.

The order became subject to controversy when the helicopters were not delivered as expected in 2017 and 2018.

A later deadline at the end of 2020 was also missed, reportedly due to technical issues. - FMT