Published: Sunday February 3, 2013 MYT 5:46:00 PM
Updated: Sunday February 3, 2013 MYT 7:53:52 PM
Armed Forces chief says no plan to replace ageing Nuri choppers
KUALA LUMPUR: The Armed Forces has no plan to dispose the 30 aging Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri helicopters which have served for over 50 years.
Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin said it would be more economical and practical to refurbish the United States-made helicopters to assist the recently acquired EC725 Cougar helicopters.
He said Nuri services were still needed by the RMAF, particularly in utility tasks and aid missions despite taking delivery of 12 French-made EC725 Cougar helicopters by early next year.
"The Nuri helicopters are still in good condition and they can beef up the Cougar EC725 helicopters in utility operations.
"However, we need to upgrade their systems like the cockpit and several other parts," he told Bernama in an interview.
Two of the Cougar EC725 helicopters, which were delivered on Dec 3 last year, were placed at the Kuantan Air Base, serving as training aircraft besides discharging their main functions - strengthening search and rescue, transportation and utility operations.
"Some of the Nuri helicopters will be deployed for the army," Zulkifeli added.
Zulkifeli said the procurement of EC725 Cougar helicopters was aimed at enhancing air surveillance and aid missions.
He said in an effort to further strengthen the country's airspace, the armed forces was planning to acquire several multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) and Airbus 400M aircraft, depending on the country's financial position.
"For the time being, the armed forces is evaluating four MRCA to cater for RMAF needs, namely Gripen from of Sweden, F/A-18E Super Hornet from the United States, Rafale from Syarikat Daesu, and Eurofighter Typhoon from Britain," he said, adding that the analysis would be presented to the government once it is concluded. - Bernama
- Negri Exco members given a month to declare assets, give up business interests
- Official GE13 results gazetted, 21-day period for petitions begins Thursday
- Foreigners with MyKas cannot vote, says NRD
- NFC consultancy fee was set at RM2.75mil
- Sosilawati murder case verdict to be announced Thursday
- Student activist to be charged in court Thursday after remand expires
- Pakatan-held states won’t be sidelined in tourism push, says Nazri
- Grandmother of seven detained for alleged drug trafficking
- Extended remand for second suspect in Customs deputy D-G murder
- Remanded suspect in shooting case dies in police custody
- BN should merge into single multi-racial party, says Gerakan acting president
- Felda fails to get judgment against PKR sec-gen Saifudin Nasution
- Hisham says security in east Sabah top priority
- Dr Ling: Only AGM can force Dr Chua's resignation
- A-G to proceed with case against Riduan Masmud over rape of girl
- Deleum's earnings down 31% to RM6.8mil
- AirAsia Q1 operating profit up 6% to RM254.93m (Update)
- KL Kepong’s earnings slip 2.4% to RM209.6m as CPO prices drop
- Dayang earnings surge to RM58.39m with RM3.5b jobs in hand
- Malaysia's inflation rate up 1.7% in April, highest in 11 months
- Profit taking on Maybank, Genting sends KLCI into the red
- Alliance Research 'Neutral' on IOI Corp, ups TP to RM5.41
- Petronas Chemicals to decide on Gebeng plant by year-end
- Petronas stocks, KLK drag KLCI into the red
- KPJ Healthcare Q1 earnings down 24.7% to RM25m
- Boustead Q1 earnings down 30.9% on weaker CPO prices
- More dividends from Pacific & Orient
- CIMB, Tenaga up as KLCI again eyes 1,800 (Update)
- Bumi Armada advances to high of RM4.14 on firmer earnings
- Samchem eyes Vietnam, to contribute 30% of group revenue
- Sinai kidnappers free Egypt security personnel
- Farmers plant rice near doomed Fukushima plant
- Pope calls for loyalty from Chinese Catholics
- Rinehart loses $7 bn but still Australia's richest
- Syria opposition urges rebels to join Qusayr battle
- US experts reject murder theory in scientist's death
- Polish mine launches salt photo contest
- Thunder star Durant pledges $1mil for tornado relief
- Amazon plans greenhouse-style headquarters
- Cricket: Warner fined for Twitter outburst
- Cycling: Wintry weather may force more Giro changes
- Injured Murray withdraws from French Open
- Ramy wins fiery battle of words and deeds
- Low Wee Wern fails to clear opening round again in British Open
- Teenager Addeen gets massive boost Down Under
- Hosts Malaysia make a tame exit at the hands of Germany
- Denmark not prepared to take on mighty China just yet
- Japanese upset Danes and Joo-bong is all smiles
- Dane loves to unwind with her Modern Family
- Tommy not afraid to play for country despite loss
- It’s the last $traw thanks to the BWF
- BAM: There will be no more sweeping under the carpet
- Cyclists give the thumbs up to world-class velodrome
- Australian Evans says Giro dream still alive
- Bangladeshi jailed for raping teen – and wants to wed her
- State minister wants teen’s marriage to 40-year-old nullified
- Child bride and hubby enjoying married life
- Sarawak leaders triple their salaries
- Charge Riduan, say syariah lawyers
- A-G to proceed with case against Riduan Masmud over rape of girl
- The never-ending rape of the Camerons
- Loan sharks making life hell for retiree
- Holiday bookings spike now that Malaysians have done their civic duty
- Sarawak leaders triple their salaries
- HR manager laments declining standard of English
- Loan sharks making life hell for retiree
- Leave troubles behind with irresistible AirAsia deals
- EPF invests more abroad, investment assets exceed half-a-trillion ringgit
- Samchem eyes Vietnam, to contribute 30% of group revenue
- Suria Capital, SBC Corp in RM1.8b Sabah JV
- State minister wants teen’s marriage to 40-year-old nullified
- Sarawak DUN, Cabinet members to get 300% raise in monthly remuneration
- Green Packet ready to sell some assets
RSS
