Leonardo and the Ministry of Defense of Malaysia have signed an Industrial Collaboration Programme Agreement (ICP Agreement) following the sale of two ATR P-72Ms (the maritime patrol version of the ATR regional transport aircraft) to Malaysia, with related logistics and training services, the Main Procurement Contract signed in May 2023.
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 of collaboration. Specifically, universities including MIAT (UniKL) 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 optimizing processes in the aeronautical sector to support the operation of the ATR P-72M fleet and the supply chain management. These initiatives will benefit from the expertise gained through the LEAP (Leonardo Empowering Advanced Partnerships) programme, implemented by Leonardo to enhance its supply chain.
The ATR P-72M is a twin-turboprop aircraft designed for complex maritime patrol missions. It is the latest specialised variant of the ATR regional transport aircraft, part of a wide range of mission configurations including maritime surveillance, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface unit Warfare (ASuW), Search & Rescue (SAR), environmental monitoring, medical evacuation and transport of personnel and materials.