ROME, July 3 — Malaysia intends to purchase maritime patrol aircraft, helicopters, and naval vessels from Italy to bolster its national security capabilities, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The acquisition will include two Maritime Patrol Aircraft designated for the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Additionally, the country also plans to procure 28 Leonardo AW149 helicopters, while the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri is expected to supply multi-role support ships (MRSS) and littoral mission ships (LMS).
Speaking during the exit press conference at the conclusion of his three-day official visit to Italy today, he said these defence assets will help strengthen Malaysia’s longstanding bilateral ties with Italy, renowned for its advanced military industry.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who accompanied Anwar on the visit, said that details of the procurement would be finalised to ensure Malaysia benefits from areas such as centralised training and other cooperative opportunities.
Initially, operations for the maritime patrol aircraft are expected to be based out of Batu Berendam Airport in Melaka.
He added that Malaysia has proposed that the acquisitions be carried out through government-to-government (G2G) agreements.
“This approach will help us secure better pricing and asset guarantees directly from the Italian Government,” Khaled said.
The Defence Ministry has also recommended exploring new areas of collaboration between the two countries in the defence sector, including artificial intelligence (AI) and underwater security command centres.
Anwar arrived on Tuesday for a maiden official visit at the invitation of his Italian counterpart, Georgia Meloni. This is part of his three-nation visits to Italy, France, and Brazil, which form part of Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote economic cooperation at the global level.
Anwar will later depart for Paris, where he is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron during his two-day stay there.
Subsequently, he will attend the 17th BRICS Leaders' Summit in Rio de Janeiro at the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
— Bernama
