New developments planned to be conducted within the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) have been announced.

The RMAF said it would end service of existing AS-61 Nuri helicopters in inventory within five years. It was noted that most of the helicopters, components and spare parts that have been used operationally for about 52 years are no longer in production and therefore modernizing the platforms will be of high cost. Nuri helicopters to be taken out of service will reduce Malaysia’s operationality power, the Air Force said.

Malaysia, which plans to charter a helicopter to replace the Nuris, opened a tender for it on October 15th. The AS-61 Nuri helicopters were used as modified versions in accordance with Malaysia’s wishes on the S-61 Sea King platform where Sikorsky was developed.

In addition, it was announced that Lead-In Fighter Trainer (LIFT) aircraft will be purchased for RMAF within the next three years. A total of 36 aircraft (LIFT) are planned to be purchased under the RMAF Talent Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), subject to government approval.