Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Defence has opened a new tender for the leasing of four helicopters for the Malaysian Army Aviation Unit (PUTD) following the cancellation of the previous award to a company that failed to deliver the four Black Hawk helicopters. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin announced that the new tender, which will close this September, will consider various aspects including helicopter type, asset age, leasing cost, operational lifespan, and flight safety before any decision is made.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the tender process will incorporate the considerations decreed by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. Last November, the Ministry of Defence canceled the original leasing contract for the Black Hawk helicopters after the awarded company failed to meet the deadline, even after an extension was provided until the end of October last year. In response, the ministry took stringent action by imposing penalties and withdrawing the performance bond deposited by the company.

Sultan Ibrahim had previously decreed the cancellation of the proposal to acquire more than 30-year-old Black Hawk helicopters, citing concerns over the aircraft's age and safety that could jeopardize pilot safety. Meanwhile, regarding the Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet fighter jet crash at the Kuantan Air Base, Mohamed Khaled stated that a special investigation board has been established to determine the cause of the incident.

He confirmed that similar aircraft have been temporarily grounded pending the investigation results to prevent recurrence. 'Out of eight Hornets, only seven are operational now. We want to ensure that all aspects of safety are given full attention,' he emphasized. He also expressed relief that the pilot and co-pilot survived the incident and urged all parties to allow the investigation team to conduct their work thoroughly.