Malaysia to nix helicopter and SPH purchases
The Malaysian government is looking to cancel procurement of six MD 530G helicopters from Destini Berhad and MD Helicopters, as well as 29 M109A5 SPHs from the United States Excess Defense Articles programme.
Both procurements were made by the previous government, with the M109A5 transfer formalised in April 2018, and a $76.14 million MD 530G contract given to Halaman Optima, the then Malaysian agent for MD Helicopters, in 2016. Halaman Optima was subsequently bought by Destini, which then took ownership of the MD 530G contract
Sources confirmed to Shephard that the decision to cancel was a government one rather than
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 Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army]()
Rheinmetall’s Lynx XM30 to go to “shakedown testing” ahead of its delivery to the US Army
The first Lynx XM30 platforms are in the final stages of construction and integration, to be handed over to the US Army in the coming months. Shephard caught up with Rheinmetall to find out more about the programme's progress.
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain]()
Malaysian Army vehicle renewal slowed by politics, scandal and economic strain
Despite political and economic headwinds, companies are positioning themselves for current and upcoming Malaysian Army requirements. Shephard spoke with some of them at DSA 2026.
