KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (NNN-Bernama) — Airbus is well placed to offer an A400M-C295 strong mixed fleet solution to support both strategic and tactical requirements for Malaysia’s defence needs, said its head of Asia Pacific Airbus Defence and Space, Johan Pelissier.
He said Airbus is awaiting the government’s decision for the acquisition following its participation in the country’s maritime patrol aircraft tender.
“Looking ahead, it’s proven C295 MPA is the perfect choice for Malaysia. The C295 is a military platform that represents the best combination of value and capability,” he told a media briefing at the Defence Service Asia (DSA) 2022 which begins here today.
The four-day biennial DSA and National Security Conference (NATSEC) is held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Dutamas.
Pelissier noted that C295 is designed for the very demanding Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) missions and with an aircraft proven track record in similar operations, the C295 MPA offers the lowest risks, yet the best acquisition, operating and life-cycle costs in its category.
“The C295 MPA is equipped with Airbus’ ingenious state-of-the-art mission system — Fully Integrated Tactical System and comprehensive sensor suites, which makes it the only military MPA platform in-service today that is highly robust and tactically ready at any time,” he said.
He said Airbus has so far received new orders for the aircraft from India (56), Serbia (two), Thailand (one), Southeast Asia (three), and South Asia (one), with 281 orders globally and 81 orders from Asia Pacific.
Citing the A400M as one of the most visible symbols of Airbus’ successful relationship with Malaysia, Pelissier said the nation’s A400M fleet has been leading the way with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) using it extensively in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, refuelling and transport missions.
“RMAF also has recently received their first upgraded version of the A400M, now equipped with tactical capabilities that allow the aircraft to perform new missions such as aerial delivery, full paratrooper deployment, or low-level flight,” he added.
— NNN-BERNAMA