"Re-odering" The RMAF's OrBat

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-06-02 AT 06:50 AM (GMT)]Members,

Pardon my starting another “RMAF” thread but the following question seems to me compelling given the various views as to what the “Malaysian jet order” should be.

Question:

What combat assets would you suggest for the RMAF’s Order of Battle given its present strengths and weaknesses as you see them and given your perception of possible threats.

When enumerating your “new” OrBat please say how the assets you selected will help the RMAF in its missions. Let’s say its missions are those of any air arm of reasonable size: air defence, strike/interdiction, counter-air, maritime strike, CAS. Some of the current conditions under which the RMAF is operating:

– varied inventory
– limited numbers of each current type of combat asset
– defensible territory geographically separated by South China Sea
– closest neighbour has highly-capable, offensively-oriented air arm

RMAF combat assets currently consist of:

F/A-18D Hornet
MiG-29N/UB Fulcrum
Hawk 108/208
MB-339A (primarily training but can be armed)
PC-7 (primarly training but can be armed)
F-5E/F/RF-5E (inactive, awaiting upgrade)

I look forward to your ideas.

SJohan

The RMAF: “Always Aloft”