By M.A.Kadir

LANGKAWI, 21 May 2025 – Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad (BHIC) has taken a significant step in bolstering Malaysia’s aerospace and defens capabilities by signing key agreements with leading global aerospace players during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2025.

The deals, comprising a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus Helicopters and two Framework Agreements (FAs) with PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) and IPTN North America (INA, Inc.), were formalised in the presence of Defence Minister YB Dato’ Seri Khaled Nordin.

Under the MoU, BHIC will collaborate with Airbus to promote Airbus Helicopters’ solutions tailored for the Malaysian Government, including the Malaysian Armed Forces and various government agencies. The partnership also aims to strengthen Malaysia’s position as a regional hub through the expansion of training programmes at the Airbus Helicopter Simulation Center (AHSC) in the country.

Meanwhile, the Framework Agreements with PTDI and INA, Inc. are focused on enhancing regional supply chain integration. These initiatives include joint efforts in aerostructure tooling, parts and components, aircraft production capacity building, and localisation of supply chains. Additionally, both agreements cover advanced Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) activities and aircraft leasing services, with INA, Inc. providing support in parts supply and co-marketing initiatives.

“These partnerships with Airbus Helicopters, PTDI and INA, Inc. mark a new chapter for BHIC, reinforcing our role as a key industrial enabler for Malaysia’s defence and aerospace ecosystem,” said BHIC Chief Executive Officer, Feroz Razi Ramli. “They reflect our commitment to national capability development, technology transfer and long-term regional cooperation. Together, we aim to create sustainable value, strengthen our service offerings and support the Government’s agenda for self-reliant defence infrastructure.”

The strategic agreements align with BHIC’s broader corporate strategy to enhance its defense portfolio, improve shareholder value, and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s industrial and security development.

Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad is a subsidiary of Boustead Holdings Berhad, which operates under the Armed Forces Fund Board (Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera). BHIC plays a critical role in Malaysia’s defence sector, with a focus on the marine, aerospace, and combat systems industries through its various subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures.