Malaysia’s King Halts Black Hawk Helicopter Deal, Calls for Reform

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, has ordered the government to terminate its plan to procure Black Hawk helicopters, labelling the aircraft as “flying coffins.” His remarks came during a speech on August 16, 2023, at a parade marking the 60th Anniversary of Malaysia’s Special Service Regiment. The monarch expressed his dissatisfaction with the procurement process within the Defence Ministry, urging officials not to “fool” him regarding military purchases.

The king’s comments reflect a growing concern over the quality and safety of military equipment being considered for the Malaysian Armed Forces. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in procurement, warning against the influence of “agents and salesmen” within the Defence Ministry. The monarch recalled past missteps, notably referencing the purchase of SkyHawk aircraft in the 1980s. Of the 88 jets bought from the United States, only 40 were refurbished, with the remainder ultimately retired due to a high accident rate.

“Are we going to put our pilots in ‘flying coffins’? Think for yourselves,” said Sultan Ibrahim, questioning the judgement of those involved in military procurement. He highlighted the issue of inflated costs, noting that if the Defence Ministry continues to rely on middlemen, the allocated budget will not suffice. “So don’t try to fool me,” he warned, asserting that he would no longer reprimand officials if they chose to disregard his advice.

At the event, Tunku Ismail, the king’s son and Johor’s Regent, along with Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin and other military officials, were present. Reports indicate that in May 2023, Malaysia signed a contract to lease four Black Hawk helicopters from Aerotree Defence and Services for RM187 million (approximately USD 44.4 million) over five years. However, the contract was reportedly cancelled in November 2022 due to the company’s failure to deliver the helicopters despite multiple deadline extensions.

The Deputy Defence Minister, Adly Zahari, stated that the ministry is currently reassessing its procurement strategy for the Black Hawk helicopters. He mentioned that the evaluation will consider both the previous leasing model and the possibility of a government-to-government agreement, with a decision expected later this year.

In his address, the king insisted that all evaluations related to military procurement must prioritize the actual needs of the armed forces, rather than being swayed by the interests of agents or external parties. “Don’t waste time purchasing nonsense that does not fit the military’s needs,” he advised. He illustrated his point by recalling a previous inquiry about the cost of rigid raiding craft for commandos, which he believed could have been sourced at a significantly lower price.

Following the king’s remarks, Defence Minister Khaled assured that the Ministry of Defence would align the modernization of Malaysia’s defense assets with the needs of its armed forces, including the Special Service Regiment. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the king’s directives to ensure that military procurement processes are both effective and efficient.

The ongoing discourse surrounding the procurement of military assets highlights the critical need for reform in Malaysia’s defense sector, as officials are urged to prioritize the safety and operational readiness of the armed forces.