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Malaysia boosts helicopter capability to battle rebels

26th January 2015 - 10:25 GMT | by Gordon Arthur in Hong Kong

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To allow Malaysia’s military to better counter insurgents, the country is obtaining second-hand S-70A Black Hawks from Brunei, and improving the combat capability of its S-61A-4 helicopters, it has emerged.

Since Philippine rebels from the Sultanate of Sulu conducted an incursion into Sabah in early 2013, Malaysia has sought to tighten security in the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) zone. The government is concerned militants allied to the Islamic State will foment trouble in the region.

Consequently, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is in the process of arming five S-61s with Gatling-type guns. These helicopters will then be

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Gordon Arthur

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Gordon Arthur


Gordon Arthur was the Asia Pacific editor for Shephard Media. Born in Scotland and educated …

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