SIK, Malaysia – The Army is prepared to take action if its contractor fails to deliver the first Black Hawk helicopter by the end of April, according to Army Chief Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Despite the contractor’s promise for a delivery this month, there has been no news so far. The initial aircraft was expected in November of the previous year, making the delay unacceptable.
Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan expressed concern over the prolonged wait during a media conference at a Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration event with operations officers and staff at Gubir Camp. The Army is eagerly anticipating the delivery of one of four Sikorsky UH-60A or Black Hawk helicopters for the Army’s Air Wing. The medium-lift capability is crucial for conducting operations both locally and in remote areas, with plans to station helicopters in multiple strategic locations for swift assistance during operations.
Highlighting the importance of the helicopters for the 10th Para Brigade’s jump training, Gen Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan emphasized the current dependency on the Air Force for operational transport and logistics. The introduction of the Black Hawk helicopters would significantly enhance the Army’s operational capabilities and reduce reliance on external support. The delay in delivery has caused setbacks in planned training exercises and operational preparedness, prompting the Army to consider alternative courses of action if the situation persists beyond April.
The Army’s readiness to escalate the issue through the Defence Ministry as the contract manager underscores the urgency of the situation. The delivery of the helicopters is not only essential for current operations but also represents a critical step towards enhancing the overall effectiveness and autonomy of the Army’s Air Wing. With operational needs in mind, the Army remains hopeful for a prompt resolution to the delivery delay and looks forward to integrating the Black Hawk helicopters into its fleet for enhanced operational readiness.