The navy is applying for the acquisition of the second series of maritime operational helicopters (HOM) to strengthen the security patrols of the country's waters and airspace, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

Its chief, Admiral Mohd Reza Mohd Sany said the application for two other HOMs is currently at the Defence Ministry level before being taken to the Economic Planning Unit (EPU).

He said HOMs were important for the navy to implement joint intelligence missions, surveillance as well reconnaissance especially in the waters off Sabah and Sarawak with the area covering 315,263 square kilometres.