Defence minister Khaled Nordin said the tender, which closes in September, will take into account factors such as the helicopter’s type, age, leasing cost, operational lifespan and flight safety.

“We will also take into account the views expressed by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim during our evaluation,” he told reporters here today.

Last November, the ministry cancelled a contract with a company that had won a bid to lease four Black Hawk helicopters after it missed the delivery deadline despite an extension. Penalties were imposed and the company’s performance bond was forfeited.

On Aug 16, Sultan Ibrahim, who as King is also the supreme commander of the armed forces, called for the defence ministry’s plans to procure second-hand Black Hawk helicopters over 30 years old to be scrapped after citing safety risks to pilots.

On a separate matter, Khaled said a special board of inquiry has been set up to investigate the recent crash of an RMAF F/A-18D Hornet at the Kuantan airbase in Pahang.

He said all Hornets have been temporarily grounded until the investigation is complete.

“Of eight Hornets, only seven remain operational. Safety must be fully prioritised,” he said, expressing gratitude that the pilot and co-pilot survived the incident.