The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) has also begun preliminary evaluations of the AgustaWestland AW159 maritime and utility aircraft for the country’s anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters requirement. The RMN has indicated a requirement for six such ASW platforms, to be operated from its new Second Generation Patrol Vessel – Littoral Combat Ships (SGPV-LCSs). malaysia is considering three competing options – the AW-159, Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk and the Airbus Helicopters H225M.
The Philippine government is edging closer towards the acquisition of two AW159 helicopters, as the acquisition has now proceeded with the final evaluation stage. The acquisition process of two maritime surveillance /ASW helicopters for the Philippine Navy (PN) began in September 2014 and is expected to be decided this year.
Designated the Lynx Wildcat by the UK MOD, the AW159 is the multi-role helicopter chosen by the British Army and Royal Navy to replace the Lynx helicopter and to meet maritime combatant and land utility and reconnaissance requirements. The helicopter has also been selected as the Naval-ASW platform to be operated by the Navy of the Republic of Korea. The AW159 can be configured to carry a number of submarine-prosecuting systems, including active dipping sonar (ADS), sonobuoys, and torpedoes. Besides ASW, the platform can also be configured for anti-surface warfare and armed with anti-ship missiles, rockets, and guns.
