In partnership with Leonardo, Weststar will deliver up to 28 new-generation helicopters to meet a wide range of national defence, security, and emergency response needs
Weststar Aviation Services Sdn. Bhd. announced on May 20 two major milestones that will shape the future of Malaysia’s aviation landscape with the launch of the country’s largest ever government helicopter expansion and modernization programme in partnership with Leonardo, and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Melaka State Government to develop an Aviation Centre of Excellence at Melaka International Airport (LTAM).
The announcements were made during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025 in the presence of Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Chief Minister of Melaka YAB Datuk Seri Utama Ab Rauf bin Yusoh, and key dignitaries from Malaysia and Italy.
The helicopters – covering various configurations including the AW149 for the Royal Malaysian Air Force and Army, and other models for the Royal Malaysian Police and Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) that will support missions such as combat search and rescue (CSAR), transport, law enforcement, firefighting, EMS, SAR, and disaster relief.
These aircraft will be leased to the Malaysian Government for a 15-year period, with deliveries scheduled primarily between 2026 and 2027. Leonardo will also provide localized support and training services to ensure long-term operational readiness.
“This is a historic milestone for Weststar and Malaysia,” said Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Chairman of Weststar Aviation. “This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting national defence and public service agencies with world-class aviation solutions. We are proud to work alongside Leonardo to ensure the Malaysian Government has the tools and technologies it needs to serve and protect our nation.”
Also at LIMA 2025, Weststar Aviation Sdn. Bhd. signed an MoU with the Melaka State Government to develop a comprehensive Aviation Centre of Excellence at LTAM. The facility will include a Helicopter Flight Training Centre, Helicopter Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Hub and Helicopter Logistics Hub.
The MoU was signed by YB Dato’ Azhar Haji Arshad, State Secretary of Melaka, and Tuan Syed Muhammad Azni bin Tan Sri Syed Azman of Weststar Aviation, with high-level witnessing by officials from both parties and international delegates including Italy’s Deputy Minister of Defence and the Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia.
The project, located on a proposed 17.1-acre site at LTAM, aims to create employment opportunities for Melaka residents and to enhance Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), particularly in aviation engineering
The collaboration outlines a two-year period to finalize technical and commercial details, with both parties committed to identifying additional opportunities to strengthen Melaka’s role in the regional aerospace ecosystem.
Together, these initiatives signal a transformative leap forward for Malaysia’s aviation industry. Weststar and Leonardo will continue investing in localized industrial capabilities, including advanced simulators, MRO facilities, and integrated mission systems, thus, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for helicopter support and innovation.
“Weststar is proud to be at the forefront of aviation excellence in Malaysia and beyond,” added Tan Sri Dr. Syed Azman. “From government operations to global offshore missions, we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of safety, performance, and service to deliver aviation solutions that matter.”
