INDUSTRY NEWS SPECIAL

Malaysia, Italy To Finalise Naval, Air Procurements

Share on

MALAYSIA is set to procure additional maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), rotary-wing aircraft and warships from Italian firms Leonardo and Fincantieri, an intention outlined by Malaysian prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. Concluding his three-day visit to Italy, the prime minister announced the plans before wrapping up his visit.

Anwar said, “these defence assets would help strengthen Malaysia’s long-standing bilateral ties with Italy, renowned for its advanced military industry. This approach will help us secure better pricing and asset guarantees directly from the Italian government.”

Just a day prior, the Malaysian delegation met with Leonardo and Fincantieri and signed an agreement for government-to-government defence procurements. A move which the Malaysian defence minister Khaled Nordin said “will help us secure better pricing and asset guarantees directly from the Italian government. He added that details on the procurement would be finalised to ensure that Malaysia reaps benefits from areas such as centralised training and other prospective partnerships.

Fincantieri had recently participated at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025, partnering with Malaysian firm Enra Energy Solutions (ESS) to support the RMN’s “15 to 5” strategic fleet renewal programme. EES is a prominent Malaysian company with a proven track record in maintenance, repair, and logistical support services.

The defence minister accompanied the prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on a working visit to Italy where the Malaysian delegation had business discussions with Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero and Leonardo senior marketing and strategic campaign Vice President Tomasso Pani.

According to reports, the acquisitions would entail two additional P-72M MPAs, adding on to the initial pair which is close to delivery, expected to be in Malaysian hands between the end of 2026 and early 2027. Once in operation, the P-72Ms would operate from Batu Berendam Airport in Malacca.

Furthermore, Leonardo will also supply 28 helicopters as part of the government’s leasing plan for 28 rotorcraft for 15 years. The 28 helicopters would then be distributed amongst the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysian Army, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Malaysia Coast Guard (MCG), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) and Fire and Rescue Department.

Meanwhile, shipbuilders Fincantieri will supply the RMN with Multi Role Support Ships and (MRSS) and the third batch of Littoral Mission Ships Batch 3 (LMSB3). Fincantieri has offered Malaysia the Kalaat Beni-Abbes amphibious transport dock (LPD) and FCX20 new generation offshore patrol vessel (OPV).

Moreover, both defence ministries recommended to explore new areas of collaboration including artificial intelligence (AI) and underwater security command centres.–shp/adj/dl (Pix:PMO)