The case has been smouldering months: the sale of six Tiger HAP (Support Protection) attack helicopters used in Malaysia, which for a long time has showed its desire to strengthen its close fire support capability. Taken directly Army Light Aviation (ALAT) stocks and delivered to "Standard 1" or the one currently used by France in overseas operations, these helicopters have been delivered from the beginning of the year 2014. But the signing of the sale contract has not yet materialised.
As early as July 2013, the French offers was put on the table for the Malaysian Armed Forces to consider, while wishing to conclude the deal for the attack helicopters in the early 2014. The agreement provided for the delivery of Tiger HAP set on "Standard 1" configuration, but without the missile capacity of Tiger HAD.The helicopters are therefore fitted with formidable 30mm cannon, rockets and possibly air-to-air Mistral missiles.
Although the pressure has slightly settled and the contract signing is long in coming, the French team still remain confident and hope to be able to put the sale to their 2014 Asia-Pacific region sale which is rich in opportunities in both the short and medium term for the French defense industry. Kuala Lumpur is already a good customer for Airbus helicopters, with a recent order of 12 EC725 which deliveries began in December 2012 and are now completed. (Air & Cosmos)