Leonardo and the Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MoD) have signed an Industrial Collaboration Programme (ICP) Agreement, the Italian defence manufacturer announced on 8 May 2024.
The agreement, which was officially signed by both parties at the Defense Services Asia Exhibition & Conference (DSA) 2024 in Kuala Lumpur on 8 May, follows the sale of two ATR P-72M twin-turboprops (maritime patrol versions of the ATR regional transport aircraft) to Malaysia, with related logistics and training services, the contract for which was signed in May 2023.
ATR is a 50:50 joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
Under the ICP Agreement, which bolsters the partnership between Malaysia and Italy, Leonardo will collaborate on joint projects with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), academia and local industries. These initiatives will facilitate the transfer of technological knowledge and evaluate new opportunities for collaboration. Specifically, universities including the Malaysian Institute of Aviation Technology (UniKL MIAT) will be involved in research and development activities in the aeronautical sector, enabling the acquisition of new academic skills useful for the advanced training of young aeronautical engineers.
Local companies will support Leonardo in the development activities of the aircraft destined for Malaysia, according to the specifications outlined in the contract. A fundamental element of the ICP Agreement will also be Leonardo’s support to the RMAF. This includes projects aimed at optimising processes in the aeronautical sector to support the operation of the ATR P-72M fleet as well as supply chain management. These initiatives will benefit from the expertise gained through the Leonardo Empowering Advanced Partnerships (LEAP) programme implemented by Leonardo to enhance its supply chain.
