Malaysia's purchase of 18 FA-50 light fighter jets is a significant upgrade on its current fleet, but the investment should not stop there, defence analysts say.
LANGKAWI: The blazing Langkawi sun did little to deter the crowds that had gathered on the tarmac to catch a glimpse of the ear-busting action unfolding above them at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre, right beside the island’s airport.
T-50 jets from the Republic of Korea Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatics team performing at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition. FLITs help fighter pilots transition from basic training to more advanced aircraft and missions, while LCAs can perform ground attack and combat air support missions, including air patrols and interceptions.The FA-50 can perform both the FLIT and LCA roles effectively, its manufacturer and defence analysts said, one of the biggest factors that make it an attractive option for countries that operate smaller air forces.
In 2018, then-defence minister Mohamad Sabu revealed that only four out of RMAF’s 28 Russian-made fighter jets were able to fly, adding that it then had 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM and 10 MiG-29 fighter jets.Royal Malaysian Air Force Sukhoi Su-30MKM flight crew after performing at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023.
“We cannot take the risk and acquire assets that are still at the prototype stage. Our personnel will use this jet, so safety is in our criteria,” Mohamad told a press conference on May 22 previewing the LIMA exhibition. The Siege of Marawi was an armed conflict between security forces from the Philippine government and militants affiliated with the Islamic State.
Malaysia reportedly chose the FA-50 over India’s Tejas light fighter in its final shortlist, with IISS analyst Ben Ho noting in his blog that the FA-50 has a price tag of about US$28 million each, compared with the US$30 million Tejas. The FA-50 is operated by several countries in the region, including Indonesia and Thailand, and Yoo said KAI is hoping to sell the jet to more countries in Asia. Other users include Iraq and Poland, which recently penned two contracts for 48 of the jets.
However, funding constraints have delayed this project, Naradichiantama wrote, while Yeo said he understands that the MRCA programme has been pushed back to 2030. In March, the defence minister Mohamad Hasan told parliament that Malaysia’s application to buy Kuwait’s used F/A-18C/D Hornet fighter jets for its MRCA programme had yet to receive a positive answer from the Middle Eastern nation.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
North Korean leader’s sister Kim Yo Jong promises more spy satellite launches, says KCNAHer remarks come after Pyongyang’s satellite launch on Wednesday ended in failure. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Malaysia to set up ‘war room’ to check water levels ahead of expected El NinoFourteen districts around the country have so far been given a Level One heatwave warning by the Malaysian Meteorological Department. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Theme parks in Malaysia see a boost in visitors during school holidays from locals and SingaporeansThe weakening Malaysian ringgit is also attracting more Singaporeans to Johor. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Read more »
Man in Malaysia charged with murder of pregnant girlfriend who was allegedly stabbed and burnedLocal media had reported that the man had allegedly slashed the victim’s stomach and removed the fetus before burning the woman’s body.
Read more »
Man in Malaysia charged with murder after stabbing and killing girlfriend over argument on pregnancySUNGAI BESAR (Malaysia) — A 20-year-old man who has just completed his studies at an institution of higher learning has been charged with murder of his pregnant girlfriend at the Sabak Bernam Magistrate's Court in Selangor on Thursday (June 1).
Read more »
Palm oil dispute won't have bearing on Indonesia, Malaysia EU trade talks, minister saysA dispute between the European Union and major palm oil producers Indonesia and Malaysia over a new deforestation law will have no bearing on the two countries' stalled negotiations with the bloc on free trade agreements, a Malaysian minister said on Thursday.Responding to a Financial Times report which s
Read more »