simulation and a maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the Eurocopter EC725 military version and the Eurocopter EC225 civilian model. Although there was a plan to replace all the Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri, due to budget constraints the government only managed to buy 12 Eurocopter EC725. For this reason, Nuri helicopters were still active in service until 2019. In LIMA 2019, Malaysia also expressed interest to buy Mil Mi-171 ( modified armed version for Mil Mi-17) from Russia. It was reported on 7 January 2020 that the RMAF grounded its Nuri helicopters and RMAF General Ackbal Abdul Samad remarked that there was an evaluation of a new utility helicopter to replace all the remaining Nuri. In 2021, 4 AgustaWestland AW139 were leased from a Malaysian aviation company, Weststar Aviation, as temporary replacement before the eventual procurement of new 24 helicopters to replace the S-61A4 Nuri. Ground-based radar In 2019, it is confirmed that RMAF sought for three new ground-based radar. The major contenders of this project would be the Thales Ground Master 400, Selex RAT-31, Giraffe radar and Lockheed Martin TPS-77 MMR. In 2021, it is reported the US Department of Defense has 'gifted' an export version of Lockheed Martin TPS-77 MMR to Malaysia in order to provide secure interoperable C3I (Command Control Communications and Intelligence) and Sensor systems supporting U.S. Joint Air Operations to US Government FMS (Foreign Military Sales) customers. Medium-range air defence In 2021, it was confirmed that RMAF sought for a regiment of medium-range air defence system to improve the national air defence capabilities. The contenders for the program are still unknown. In 2014, a Malaysian private company signed a memorandum of understanding with a Chinese defence firm to acquire Chinese LY-80 medium range air defence missile, but the government of Malaysia did not endorse it. See also Malaysian Armed Forces Malaysian Army Royal Malaysian Navy Malaysia Coast Guard Royal Malaysia Police Royal Johor Military Force Joint Forces Command References External links RMAF Official Website Malaysian Armed Forces Official Website Malaysian Ministry of Defence Official Website Scramble, Malaysian Forces Overview, Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (TUDM) Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum Bases and Squadrons Malaysian Air Force Aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force Military units and formations established in 1958 1958 establishments in Malaya Ministry of Defence (Malaysia)