RMAF to get FA50 for LCA Programme

Yesterday (24th February 2023), Korean Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) announced that they had won the bid to supply 18 units of FA50 to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) for its Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme. The RM 4.1 billion (about USD 920 million) contract will see KAI deliver the combat aircraft to Malaysia beginning in 2026. 

South Korean Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) FA50. Source: RoKAF.

Update on Russian MiG35 Offer

Post-Eastern Economic Forum, Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah had announced that Russia had shared their intention to take back not just 10 ageing MiG29 (finally, they're admitting that there's only 10 salvageable air-frame out of 16 surviving MiG29), but also 18 'ageing' SU30MKM.  Wait what?

Update in MiG29 Replacement Programme

There is some development in RMAF search for the long stalled MiG29N replacement programme.  Last week, NST stringer Adrian David quoted Dr. Victor Kladov who is the special aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin that the Russian President will formally propose to sell to Malaysia 36 units of MiG35 Fulcrum-F MRCA and yet to be mentioned number of YAK130 light combat jets.  In return, Malaysia is expected to sell back 18 units of the ageing MiG29N (in reality, only 16 units left as 2 had crashed).  Vladimir Putin is expected to present his proposal to Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Mahathir when they meet up in Vladivostok for Eastern Economic Forum which will be held from 4 September to 6 September this year.

Vladimir Putin
Photo Source: Kremlin.ru via Wikipedia

Expert, Deconstructed

Recently (6 December 2017), Free Malaysia Today (FMT), an online media outlet with a centre-left leaning had published an interview with Professor Zachary Abuza of National War College, Washington DC criticizing RMAF apparent lack of preparedness in facing urban warfare. The stinging rebuke by the professor was happily published by the online media, apparently showing that they care of our national security.

Happy Birthday SU30MKM

Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of the arrival of the first 2 units of SU30MKM to serve with RMAF. Both birds, with tail number M52-01 and M52-02, were soon followed by the rest of the SU30MKM. In total, RMAF procured 18 units of this unique Russian jet with western, specifically French avionics system.

To Replace or Not to Replace - RMAF Dilemma

The recent loss of 1 RMAF BAe Hawk 108 Lead-In Fighter Trainer (or LIFT) has been pounced upon by some quarters to push the Federal Government to procure new MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) to replace the BAe Hawk 108. They claimed the crash is evidence that the plane is no longer viable and must be replaced.

RMAF BAe Hawk 108
Credit BAe

Politicisation of Sungai Besi Air Base Impending Closure

Politicising defence is always the easiest way for any politicians to gain traction anywhere, but especially true in Malaysia.

Farewell and Rest In Peace, Major Kayamboo

Yesterday was supposed to be a very special day for him.  A new boss helming his organisation, and on top of that, it was his 45th birthday.

The late Major Kayamboo (Source Whatsapp)

Open Sky 'Policy'

1st of June was RMAF anniversary. What was supposed to be a happy occasion became solemn as it was purported that RMAF MiG29N, or the MiGgies as I call them would fly for the one last time, and this time. And without any suitable replacement had been identified.

MiG29N in the centre

The fear was slightly assuaged when RMAF top brass confirmed that the MiGgies will still be flying until further notice. It would be taken off the queue one by one.

Freedom of Speech not License to Spread Lies

Freedom of speech is freedom to say anything that you believe in without:

1. being libellous.
2. being detrimental to the security and safety of others.
3. being treasonous.

Freedom of speech can be expressed via any available means, such as these cartoonish satire by Zunar.

Defence Asset Procurement Policy - Logistical Consideration

In the prior article, we have discussed about non-conventional threats. While non-conventional threats are strictly police matters, in many situations, military will be called in to assist police operations.

In this installment, we will look into how logistics consideration can influence defence procurement decision.

Short Take on the MRCA Programme and Debunking a Political Post

I'm just catching up with all the posts I missed in the Groups that I am in. But I must say, this post is way off the mark. The SU-34 and SU-35 did not make the cut.

http://www.financetwitter.com/2016/04/najib-regime-interested-to-buy-russian-su-34-su-35-worth-billions.html

The competition for the contract is currently opened for British BAe Eurofighter Typhoon (latest configuration), French Rafale D, US Advanced Super Hornet, and Swedish Saab Gripen (in accordance of preference in terms of capabilities and technology).

RMAF CN235 Crash

Yesterday (26 Feb 2016), an RMAF CN235 light transport aircraft had crashed landed in the waters off Kuala Selangor.  All pilots and crew-members survived, but an unfortunate rescuer had passed away, believed to be due to heart condition.  Condolence to the family of the rescuer, Encik Abu Hassan Abdul Latif, 57 who had passed away.

RMAF CN235 with registration number M44-05
Credit to http://airheadsfly.com/2014/12/26/overview-air-forces-of-malaysia/ and RMAF

Take security issues seriously

2 JULY 2015 @ 12:00 PM

I READ with interest your expose on the security concern of the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Butterworth Air Force Base (AFB) (“Big, Fat, Juicy Targets” — NST, June 29). I would like to applaud the journalist for her good work in highlighting this issue.

And They Say We Don't Need It

When the Government under Tun Abdullah announced Malaysia intended to procure Eurocopter EC725 CSAR version with 5 rotor blades, there was a strong uproar from the opposition party, saying the helicopter was way overpriced and the government did not study other options before putting the dots on the i's and crossed the t's.

Malaysia And South China Sea

Recent revelation of China making land reclamation on Mischief Island which form part of the Spratly's had raised the concern of other claimants to the chain of islands.

Leading the charge is the Philippines and Vietnam, both nations who not only distrust the country, but had actually fought against the Chinese military might before; the Philippines while under the aegis of UN during the Korean War while Vietnam during the Sino - Vietnam 1979 border clashes.  The Philippines had hoped Malaysia as the current chairman to ASEAN, a regional grouping that Vietnam, Malaysia and the Philippines members would be firmer towards China.  However, there were not much noise coming from the recently concluded ASEAN Regional Ministerial Meeting, which was held in KL.

In fact, Malaysia is being seen playing it coyly with China on matters pertaining to South China Sea, even when the People's Liberation Army - Navy (PLA - N) had conducted a naval exercise in the vicinity of James Shoal (Beting Serupai to Malaysian and Zhengmu Reef to China), a rocky outcrop located about 80 nautical miles away from the Malaysian town of Bintulu back in 2013.

This fact is not lost to the Chinese, who had reciprocated Malaysia by giving the country a differential treatment.  This has led to PLA conducting a table top military exercise with Malaysia at the end of 2014, with a full fledged military exercise planned for this year.  Add on top of it, Chinese Politburo is said to be behind the recent visit of Chinese August One acrobatic team to Malaysia's Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show (LIMA) 2015.

Why does Malaysia, a regional powerhouse in the 90's, choose to pander to China instead of being aggresive towards China's military expansionism in South China Sea?  For us to understand this quirkiness, let us first understand the unique Sino - Malay relationship which has been in play since at least 649 AD.

Malaysian MRCA Programme - The Next Step

As the curtain falls over the Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show 2015 (LIMA 2015), the long anticipated announcement on RMAF MRCA programme to replace the RMAF ageing Mikoyan Gurevich MiG29N air superiority fighters were yet to be announced.  While the lack of announcement was a dampener for LIMA, it was a foregone conclusion, considering capital funding for the programme under the 10th Malaysia Plan had long since been exhausted and the budget for 11th Malaysia Plan is only expected to be tabled in April or May 2015.

However, the lack of announcement does not mean that Malaysian Government is not committed to do window shopping during the same air show.  The lack of announcement had instead resulted in an even more intense jostling and bidding behind the scene for the small pie in Malaysian defence budget.

A400M - Boost in MAF Strategic Capabilities

On February 3 2015, the first RMAF A400M Atlas took to its maiden test flight. The historic flight means soon RMAF will have strategic lift capabilities, and thus will elevate MAF abilities to move fast to face the ever evolving threat matrix.

The first RMAF A400M in flight.  Photo courtesy of Airbus Defence & Space

The first RMAF A400M in flight.  Photo courtesy of Airbus Defence & Space

RMAF Current Transport Aircraft

Currently, RMAF are operating 2 types of transport aircrafts; the venerable Lockheed Martin Hercules C-130, which is affectionately called Charlie, and Indonesian-made CN-235 transport planes.