Army to get MD 530-G light attack helicopters by early next year

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 (Bernama) -- The Army is expected to acquire MD 530-G light attack helicopters early next year.

Army chief General Datuk Seri Ahmad Hasbullah Mohd Nawawi said they were carrying out flight testing on the helicopters made by Mcdonnell Douglas, a major aerospace company.

He added that the army was expected to acquire the helicopters by early next year “if it goes according to plan”, adding that for  now, it was still able to perform tasks using existing assets.

Ahmad Hasbullah said this at a press conference after witnessing a parade at the Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, here today. 

Former Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein was reported to have said that the Army would receive “new asset acquisition” including six MD 530-G Light Attack helicopters through the 2018 Budget.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Hasbullah reminded Army personnel and officers to be alert to the threat of Daesh militants.

"The Army is always conducting awareness programmes to prevent its members from being influenced by such activities," he said.

He also said the four thrusts outlined by the Malaysian Armed Forces Chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin would be implemented to ensure the Army remained outstanding.

-- BERNAMA