Malaysia orders ATR 72 MPA aircraft from Leonardo
This Italian Air Force ATR 72 MPA took part in LIMA 2027 in Langkawi, Malaysia, indicating Leonardo’s long journey towards winning a contract. (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo has scored a hard-won contract to supply maritime patrol aircraft to Malaysia.
On 25 May, the Malaysian MoD signed an acquisition contract with Leonardo for two ATR 72 MPA maritime patrol aircraft. A formal signing ceremony took place at the LIMA 2023 event in Langkawi.
The final purchase of two aircraft, logistic support and training devices for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) comes after a number of years of effort, with the ATR 72 having been selected by Kuala Lumpur in October 2022.
The contract value is MYR789 million ($170.6 million), whereas Shephard Defence Insight lists a unit value of $40 million for the type. Citing a confidentiality clause, Leonardo declined
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production]()
Oshkosh and Grid Aero tie-up tests new model for scaling military UAS production
By combining established manufacturing capacity with startup aircraft design, the partnership could offer an alternative approach to scaling military uncrewed aircraft production.
-
![European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans]()
European funding and NATO interoperability could shape Polish helicopter plans
Poland is seeking to update its transport helicopters as part of a wider military aviation modernisation programme, with EU funding requirements and NATO interoperability key considerations.
-
![Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships]()
Poland air focus: $8.27 billion UAV market highlights value of long-term supplier relationships
Poland’s growing investment in UAVs highlights how recurring procurement contracts and continuous technological development can provide suppliers with sustained opportunities beyond initial acquisitions.
-
![October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age]()
October crewed air review: Israel’s Apache deal bets on crewed aviation in an uncrewed age
Israel’s $1 billion Apache helicopter order highlights the continued demand for crewed attack aviation, while growing integration with uncrewed systems could shape future modernisation and procurement decisions.
-
![US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable]()
US Navy keeps Super Hornet production restart option open, but without defined cost or timetable
The US Navy plans to preserve Super Hornet and Growler tooling as production winds down, with restart costs unassessed and final F/A-18 deliveries expected in late 2027.
