The MoU was signed by Zakir Hamid (left) and Edron (right) witnessed by Defence Minister, Khaled Nordin, at the DSA 2026 Exhibition.
KUALA LUMPUR (April 24): Airod Sdn Bhd (Airod) has formalised a strategic partnership with Airbus through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) A400M aircraft fleet.
The agreement, signed at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition in MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, marks a significant step in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen its domestic aerospace capabilities and reduce reliance on external maintenance providers.
Under the MoU, Airod will deliver comprehensive MRO services for the RMAF’s four Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. The collaboration is expected to enhance fleet readiness, improve maintenance turnaround times and support the long-term sustainability of Malaysia’s airlift capabilities.
Airod, which has been appointed by the Malaysian government as the country’s central military MRO hub, brings more than 40 years of experience in servicing military aircraft.
The company has long supported the RMAF’s fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules aircraft and has served as a Lockheed Martin-authorised maintenance centre for the platform for over four decades.
NADI Group president Datuk Edron Hayata Ahmad said the partnership represents a milestone for both AIROD and the broader national aerospace industry.
Under the MoU, Airod will deliver comprehensive MRO services for the RMAF’s four Airbus A400M military transport aircraft.
“Our extensive experience with legacy platforms such as the C-130, combined with modern facilities and a skilled workforce, positions us strongly to support next-generation aircraft like the A400M,” he said.
Strategically located in Subang, Airod operates advanced facilities including specialised engine and propeller test cells, enabling it to provide end-to-end MRO solutions.
This capability places the company among a limited number of regional players able to support complex military aircraft maintenance requirements.
The collaboration also aligns with Malaysia’s broader ambition to build a resilient and self-reliant aerospace ecosystem, while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for defence aviation services.
Airbus Defence and Space, a division of Airbus, is a global leader in military aviation and a key industrial partner in the A400M programme. The partnership with AIROD reflects its continued commitment to strengthening international industrial cooperation and supporting local aerospace development.
The agreement is expected to contribute not only to operational efficiency within the RMAF but also to the growth of Malaysia’s aerospace industry through technology transfer, skills development and increased local participation in high-value defence services.
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