MD Helicopters expands presence in Indo-Pacific, eyes potential customers
Malaysia operates six MD-530G helicopters and MD Helicopters is targeting supplementary sales of the current AH530 series. (Photo: Malaysian Armed Forces)
MD Helicopters aims to bolster its footprint in the Indo-Pacific region, targeting countries like Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia for potential sales of its TH530 trainer and AH530 Light Attack Scout helicopters.
MD Helicopters is looking to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific, with several countries in the region identified as potential customers, said Howard Berry, senior sales director for MD Helicopters.
Speaking to Shephard, Berry said that the company was looking to refocus sales efforts in the region, given that the current TH530 trainer and AH530 Light Attack Scout helicopters would suit many countries due to their low cost and maintenance, with a less than one maintenance hour/flight hour ratio.
He added that for more advanced capabilities, the AH530 Block II with the Hellfire air-to-ground missile and the Advanced Precision Kill
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or study the capability further while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased, two of which were unveiled for the first time.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
-
![Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract]()
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
-
![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()
Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement
The MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet.
-
![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()
PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile
The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.
