Ministry of Defence examines supplier contract after Black Hawk delivery delay

PETALING JAYA: The Ministry of Defense will carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the lease contract for four Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters before deciding on the next step.

In May last year, the ministry signed an agreement worth RM187 million with local air service provider, Aerotree Defense & Services Sdn Bhd, to lease the helicopters for five years.

The helicopters are for military use, and the first should have been received last November.

Defense Minister Khaled Nordin said today that a decision will be made soon, whether to cancel the contract or give the supplier additional time to deliver the helicopters.

“We need to consider whether there will be any fines that will be imposed due to the delay in the specified delivery date, or cancellation.

“The helicopter is for the use of military personnel in the interior areas of Sabah and Sarawak, as well as to transport equipment,” he said, reported Berita Harian.

“Without (Black Hawk) helicopters, military operations are going on as usual, (but) with the additional presence of Black Hawks, operations will be increased.”

Yesterday, Army Commander Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan said the contractor was given time until the end of this month to fulfill his obligations. If the contractor fails to do so, he will propose to the ministry that the contract be cancelled, he added.