Navy Plans To Acquire Anti-submarine Helicopters

The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has proposed for the government to acquire anti-submarine helicopters to increase the force's capabilities.

Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said this is to ensure the force remains relevant with the current modernisation.

"At least six anti-submarine aircraft are needed to form a squadron.

"The Kota Kinabalu RMN Base in Teluk Sepanggar, Sabah will house the squadron where two of the country's submarines are also stationed," he told reporters after officiating the Perak RMN Air Unit's 25th Silver Jubilee at the RMN Base, here Thursday.

The Kota Kinabalu RMN Base currently has two French Scorpene submarines, the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak.

In another development, Abdul Aziz said the RMN Air Unit plans to establish its own training centre which will conduct training modules on flight operations.

He said plans for the training centre was still in talks and is expected to be realised in three years, also to be situated at the RMN Base here.

"The training centre will carry out modules for aircraft transition training for pilots and air tactical officers, helicopter guard course, flight deck officer course as well as other courses and training," he said.

Abdul Aziz said the training centre will produce an air unit and fleet crew which is ready to meet the needs of the RMN and country.

At the ceremony, Abdul Aziz was awarded an honorary wing as a mark of respect and recognition for his contributions in the development and achievement of the RMN Air Unit.
-- BERNAMA