The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has achieved a significant operational milestone, surpassing 25,000 flying hours on its H120 helicopter fleet, locally designated as EC120 aircraft.

The achievement was formally recognised during a ceremony held at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) on 22 May 2025. The event brought together representatives from Airbus Helicopters, Gading Kasturi, and senior RMAF leadership to commemorate the milestone.

Axel de Pascal, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Malaysia, presented an award to General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan, Chief of Air Force of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, recognising the fleet’s substantial service record.

The milestone reinforces the H120’s reliability and enduring service in pilot training operations. Over the past decade, the RMAF has utilised its H120 fleet to train nearly 200 pilots, demonstrating the service’s commitment to aviation excellence.

As the primary ab initio training platform for aspiring pilots, the H120 has played a crucial role in developing Malaysia’s next generation of air force personnel. The aircraft has equipped trainees with essential flight skills and operational expertise necessary for military aviation careers.

The achievement underscores the effectiveness of the long-standing tripartite collaboration between Airbus Helicopters, RMAF, and Gading Kasturi. This partnership has showcased the H120’s performance, efficiency, and dependability in military training missions, contributing to the continued development of Malaysia’s air force capabilities.

The 25,000-hour milestone represents a significant indicator of the aircraft’s operational reliability and the success of Malaysia’s military pilot training program.

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Royal Malaysian Navy AS555SN Fleet Achieves 25,000 Flight Hours Milestone

The Royal Malaysian Navy has reached a significant operational milestone, achieving 25,000 flying hours with its AS555SN Fennec helicopter fleet during more than two decades of service.

The achievement was celebrated during a ceremony at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) on 22 May 2025, where Airbus Helicopters and Royal Malaysian Navy officials gathered to recognise the fleet’s excellent flight operations record.

Thomas Zeman, Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing Asia Pacific for Airbus Helicopters, presented Vice Admiral Dato’ Ts Shamsuddin bin Hj Ludin, Deputy Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, with an award commemorating the milestone achievement.

The Royal Malaysian Navy’s fleet of six AS555SN helicopters has been in continuous service since 2004, demonstrating the aircraft’s reliability and operational effectiveness over more than 20 years. The two-tonne multirole aircraft serve dual purposes within the navy’s aviation operations.

The AS555SN helicopters are primarily deployed for lead-in training operations, preparing naval aviators for advanced flight operations. Additionally, the fleet supports various naval flying operations, contributing to the service’s maritime mission requirements.

The 25,000-hour milestone represents a testament to both the aircraft’s durability and the Royal Malaysian Navy’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards in its aviation capabilities. The achievement underscores the successful long-term partnership between Airbus Helicopters and the Malaysian naval service.

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Royal Malaysian Air Force Honoured with H225M Wings of Valour Award

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has been honoured with the H225M Wings of Valour award in recognition of its extraordinary commitment and remarkable achievements in utilising its H225M helicopter fleet for lifesaving and humanitarian missions.

The award was presented on 22 May 2025, during ceremonies at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), acknowledging the RMAF’s exceptional service record with its locally designated EC725 aircraft.

Since 2012, the RMAF has operated a fleet of 12 H225M helicopters, demonstrating unwavering dedication to service by completing nearly 40,000 operational hours and conducting numerous critical missions over more than a decade of operations.

The H225M’s unparalleled autopilot capability in hovering and its substantial maximum weight capacity have made the RMAF’s helicopter fleet instrumental in delivering critical aid during some of the most challenging operational conditions. These capabilities have proven essential for complex humanitarian and rescue operations.

Among the notable missions are: 

• June 2015: An H225M was sent to Laban Rata, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, for a daring rescue operation to save climbers stranded after an earthquake shook the region.
• 2016 – 2019: The H225M were regularly deployed to assist flood rescue operations across the country, delivering food supplies and medical care to affected communities.
• February 2021: During the COVID-19 movement restrictions, an H225M played a crucial role in delivering essential supplies to residents in Bintulu, Sarawak. 
• October 2024: The RMAF’s H225Ms extended their service beyond their shores, supporting the Philippines, as part of the Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission, following Tropical Storm Kristine “Trami,” which caused severe flooding and landslides.
• January 2025: The H225M was deployed for a medical evacuation mission, transporting a one-month old baby from Pulau Tioman to Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital for urgent medical care.

The Wings of Valour award pays tribute to the RMAF’s steadfast commitment to humanitarian excellence and recognises the extraordinary capabilities of the H225M fleet in adapting to diverse and complex mission requirements.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the Wings of Valour award. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and bravery of our personnel who work tirelessly to provide aid and relief in critical times,” said General Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan, Chief of Air Force.

“The RMAF has showcased the unparalleled reliability and versatility of the H225M in the most demanding situations. In peacetime, their efforts embody the spirit of humanitarian service, and we are proud to support their missions through our technology,” said Vincent Dubrule, Head of Asia-Pacific, Airbus Helicopters. 

The RMAF’s continued efforts to save lives and support communities in need underscore the indispensable role of the H225M fleet in fostering resilience and hope across affected areas. The aircraft has proven its reliability and durability in both combat conditions and crisis response scenarios.

Throughout the Asia-Pacific region, the multi-mission H225M helicopter continues to play a strategic role in supporting regional security operations. The aircraft benefits from Airbus’ continuous improvement initiative, featuring new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, and advanced airborne communication systems. The helicopter can also be equipped with the HForce weapon system, while its maximum takeoff weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg.

Globally, more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service worldwide, accumulating over 880,000 flight hours. Military operators include Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.

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Photo credits: AIRBUS