DSA 2022: Airbus espouses benefits of mixed C295-A400M fleet for Malaysia
Will the RMAF order the C295 Persuader to meet its maritime patrol aircraft needs? (Photo: Airbus)
Airbus has used the DSA 2022 exhibition in Malaysia to promote the merits of its C295 maritime patrol aircraft.
Airbus claimed in a 28 March briefing during Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 that it is ‘well-positioned to meet Malaysia’s needs in defence and maritime security’, by offering the C295 Persuader to meet the country’s maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) requirement.
Speaking at DSA 2022, Johan Pelissier, head of Asia Pacific for Airbus Defence and Space, reminded reporters that Airbus already has supplied the A400M airlifter to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which recently received its first upgraded version of the aircraft with new tactical capabilities such as full paratrooper deployment.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that Malaysia plans to buy two aircraft for maritime patrol missions, in line with the RMAF’s Capability Development Plan 2055.
However, little information on performance specifications and cost were listed in the original August 2020 tender, but both were titled as ‘Phase 1’, indicating that an additional follow-on buy is intended.
Indeed, four MPAs have been talked about in the past.
The total procurement cost for two aircraft is estimated to be around $200 million.
Airbus with the C295 is the only contender to have broken cover, although the following manufacturers are also believed to be interested in the Malaysian MPA tender: Leonardo (with the ATR-72), Boeing (P-8A Poseidon), Kawasaki (P-1) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (CN-235 MPA variant).
A contract decision and award is expected in 2022-2023.
‘The C295 is a military platform that represents the best combination of value and capability. It is designed for the very demanding MPA missions,’ Pelissier insisted. ‘With [a] proven track record in similar operations, the C295 MPA offers the lowest risks, yet the best acquisition, operating and life-cycle costs in its category.’
He added: ‘With growing needs in the region, including Malaysia, for fleet modernisation and renewal of legacy assets, we believe Airbus is well placed to offer an A400M-C295 strong mixed fleet solution to support both strategic and tactical requirements.’
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Maritime Patrol Aircraft [Malaysia]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![How do we detect and defeat enemy drones?]()
How do we detect and defeat enemy drones?
Learn about the portfolio of sensors and effectors for the complete counter-UAS mission at Raytheon, an RTX business.
-
![BAE Systems lauds counter-UAS drone progression with live fire trials]()
BAE Systems lauds counter-UAS drone progression with live fire trials
The US-based tests successfully demonstrated the first live trial of a precision guided missile from a modified TRV-150 drone which destroyed both aerial and ground targets.
-
![India readies private sector push as AMCA moves towards 2028 prototype]()
India readies private sector push as AMCA moves towards 2028 prototype
India’s stealth fighter ambitions gain fresh momentum as HAL opens the door to private sector involvement in AMCA Mk1A structural assembly, with strategic support growing for next-gen propulsion and sensor technologies.
-
![BAE Systems reveals new GCAP demonstrator design with plans to fly by 2027]()
BAE Systems reveals new GCAP demonstrator design with plans to fly by 2027
A key part in the trinational Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), this is the first crewed supersonic aircraft demonstrator to be built and developed in the UK in more than 40 years.
-
![Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership]()
Kratos Defense makes European CCA push with Airbus partnership
Kratos’ XQ-58A Valkyrie will be equipped with an Airbus-made mission system to be offered as a ‘European’ collaborative combat aircraft option to the German Air Force.
-
![Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights]()
Anduril’s Barracuda-100M completes latest successful test flights
The munitions variant of the Barrauda-100 autonomous air vehicle is being tested for the US Army’s High-Speed Manoeuvrable Missile (HSMM) testbed programme, with further flight tests expected in 2026.
