The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) has selected the Leonardo AW189 super medium helicopter for its long range search and rescue requirement. Four aircraft will be delivered under a contract signed with Galaxy Aerospace Malaysia between 2025 and 2026, adding to a fleet of three AW139s already in service and testifying to the reliance of the operator on Leonardo’s latest generation rotorcraft technology.

The MMEA is a security agency established to enforce law and order for the preservation of peace, safety and security in the Malaysian Maritime Zone and to coordinate search and rescue operations in the Malaysian Maritime Search and Rescue Region. The AW189s will provide a major boost to safely and effectively extend the patrol and search reach over sea as well as persistence during the mission.

The AW189 combines superior payload and range with advanced technologies. The main transmission can run without oil for 50 minutes and it has a built-in auxiliary power unit. The AW189 is available with more than 200 certified kits and delivered with a comprehensive support and training service package. The type is also certified for an automatic data transmission system enabling it to transmit performance data to a ground station using satellite communication in flight, 4G cell connectivity or wi-fi when on the ground - a secure way to share an accurate picture of each flight so that Leonardo experts can assess data quickly, optimising maintenance and support.

An AW189 full flight simulator is expected to be operational this year at Leonardo’s Training Academy in Malaysia to meet regional crew training needs.