THE navy is applying for the acquisition of the second series of maritime operational helicopters (HOMs) to strengthen the security patrols of the country’s waters and airspace, especially off Sabah and Sarawak.
Its chief Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said the application for two other HOMs has been submitted to the Defence Ministry, after which it will be sent to the Economic Planning Unit.
He said HOMs are important for the navy to implement joint intelligence missions, surveillance as well reconnaissance especially in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak with the area covering 315,263sq km.
“It is impossible for navy ships to be covering every inch of the waters involved at all times, so with these new helicopters, the ships are able to further expand the range of patrols carried out.
“This will give a significant operational advantage to ensure the sustainability of our country’s waters,” he told reporters after officiating the handover ceremony of the third navy HOM at the Kota Kinabalu naval base in Teluk Sepanggar, Kota Kinabalu, today.
The Italian-made AW139 utility helicopter is equipped with an RDR 1700A search radar, including a 12.7mm machine gun.
Reza said he hopes the unity government, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, will consider the navy’s needs, especially regarding the second series of littoral combat ships and littoral mission ships.
“The navy hopes the new government can adjust the security budget from 1% to 1.5% (of the gross domestic product) in stages, so that defence capabilities can be adapted to the security landscape.
“The proposed budget will be extended to the prime minister and the new government,” he said.
He added the navy is confident the government can provide critical assets and equipment for the navy in stages. – Bernama, November 26, 2022.
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