Navy requests second series of HOM to strengthen security off Sabah, Sarawak waters

KOTA KINABALU – The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) 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 in Sabah and Sarawak.

Its chief Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said the application for two other HOMs is currently at the Defence Ministry level before being taken to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

He said HOMs are important for the RMN to implement joint intelligence missions, surveillance as well reconnaissance especially in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak with the area covering 315,263sqkm.

“It is impossible for RMN ships to be covering every inch of the waters involved at all times, so with these new helicopters, the RMN 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 RMN HOM at the Kota Kinabalu RMN base in Teluk Sepanggar here today.

The Italian-made AW139 utility helicopter is equipped with an RDR 1700A search radar including a 12.7mm machine gun.

Meanwhile, Reza also hopes the unity government, led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will consider RMN’s needs, especially involving the second series of the littoral combat ship and littoral mission ship projects so that they can be realised.

“The RMN 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 new government,” he said.

He added that RMN is also confident that the government can provide critical assets and equipment in stages. – Bernama, November 26, 2022