Aircraft
LIMA 2019: Malaysia Evaluates MPAs
With Chinese influence growing and piracy becoming a major threat, the Royal Malaysian Air Force is on the hunt for maritime patrol aircraft
The RMAF has seven CN235s in operation, mainly used for light and tactical transport. (photo: Chen Chuanren)
The RMAF has seven CN235s in operation, mainly used for light and tactical transport. (photo: Chen Chuanren)

In recent years, the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has moved maritime surveillance to one of its top procurement priorities ahead of other combat needs such as the Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program, in an effort to protect the country’s maritime interests, especially in the contested South China Sea and pirate-infested Malacca Straits.