KUALA LUMPUR, 13 May 2025 — The construction of Malaysia’s two new maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), worth RM899 million, has reached 60% completion in Turin, Italy. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed the progress during an official working visit to the Leonardo S.p.A. facility this week.

These advanced ATR-72 MPAs, part of a major procurement under the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) Capability Development Plan 2055, are designed to significantly boost the country’s maritime surveillance capabilities. Once operational, they will be instrumental in monitoring Malaysia’s vast maritime zones, supporting missions against smuggling, illegal fishing, and maritime encroachments.

“This procurement reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening national defence capabilities, particularly in maritime operations. These aircraft will provide real-time data and intelligence to support enforcement agencies in safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty,” said Khaled.

The Ministry of Defence highlighted that this acquisition is a key initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security and improving Malaysia’s intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.

The deal was officially sealed during the 16th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) in May 2023. It represents the first phase of the long-term strategy to acquire a total of six MPAs by 2035, rolled out in three phases.