KAI proposes Surion variants to fill Malaysian helicopter capability gaps
The utility version of the Surion helicopter could meet the Malaysian Army’s planned tactical helicopter procurement. (Photo: KAI)
Despite previous challenges in unifying procurement efforts across the Malaysian Armed Forces services, KAI has aimed to offer tailored Surion variants to fulfil specific requirements.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is aiming to meet the various helicopter requirements of the three services of the Malaysian Armed Forces with the different variants of the KUH-1 Surion, said Jerald Lee, deputy senior manager of the rotorcraft business team for KAI.
Lee said that the Surion’s range of variants not only allows it to meet the different helicopter requirements of the Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) but also provides the country with a common platform, simplifying it logistical and maintenance needs.
However, Shephardunderstands that while Malaysian Armed Forces Headquarters issued
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
-
![German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery]()
German Navy in “ramp-up” phase as it welcomes first NH90 Sea Tiger delivery
With all 31 aircraft set to be delivered by 2030, the helicopters will gradually replace the ageing Sea Lynx fleet which are due to be retired in 2026.
