Malaysia Cancels Black Hawk Deal After King Calls Aircraft ‘Flying Coffins’

In a surprising turn of events, Malaysia has decided to scrap its acquisition of four UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. This decision follows a public denunciation by King Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, who referred to the aircraft as “flying coffins.” The statement came shortly after the king met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Last week, during a military parade celebrating the 60th anniversary of Gerak Khas, Malaysia’s elite army special operations unit, the monarch's comments prompted the Malaysian military to suspend the $200 million agreement for American-made helicopters, defense officials reported.

“We must avoid the error of acquiring second-hand SkyHawk aircraft,” Sultan Ibrahim emphasized, alluding to Malaysia’s contentious decision in the 1980s to purchase 88 decommissioned U.S. Navy A-4 SkyHawks. Out of the total, merely 40 jets made it to delivery, and a significant number faced persistent mechanical problems that led to their retirement within ten years. “I am convinced that this situation arose due to the presence of agents or former generals within the Ministry of Defense who have transitioned into salesmen,” he remarked. “Some fabric-selling companies even ventured into offering drones for sale.”

The king’s characterization of the Black Hawk as a “flying coffin” sparked reactions in Washington, where this helicopter is regarded as one of the safest in operation. A report from the Government Accountability Office in 2021 revealed that different models of the H-60 Black Hawk, utilized by the Army and National Guard, demonstrated approximately double the safety record compared to CH-47 Chinooks and AH-64 Apaches, based on mishaps per flight hour. In January, a tragic incident marked the first fatal Black Hawk crash in over a year, as two helicopters collided above Washington, D.C. This devastating accident resulted in the loss of three crew members and 64 civilians, with investigators pointing to human error as the cause.

According to aviation safety expert Josh Henderson, the Black Hawk’s impressive track record is undeniable, having served globally for over four decades. “While it is common for political figures to question procurement processes, the Black Hawk stands out as one of the most proven and dependable helicopters globally,” he stated.

Malaysia's recent choice could indicate a transformation in its approach to defense procurement. Sultan Ibrahim engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow shortly before his remarks, and in April, he welcomed Chinese Premier Xi Jinping in Kuala Lumpur. In a significant development, Russia and China have been at the forefront of advancing arms sales throughout Southeast Asia.

The cancellation raises uncertainties regarding Malaysia's plans to upgrade its outdated helicopter fleet. The king’s comments seem to have halted the Black Hawk deal, possibly directing his nation towards different suppliers.

‍