Malaysian Su-30s !

Courtesy of the BBC ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3126023.stm ):

Russian president Vladimir Putin has signed a $900m (£562.5m) deal to supply fighter jets to Malaysia while on a visit to the south-east Asian nation.
Mr Putin said he hoped the sale would help open doors to the south-east Asian market for Russian high-tech goods.

But many Malaysians are likely to be more impressed that Mr Putin has offered them not just the skies, but the stars as well with suggestions that Russia might train the first Malaysian cosmonaut.

In that context, President Putin has produced a master stroke.

He told TASS news agency that Russia might train the first Malaysian cosmonaut and launch him or her into space.

That suggestion is almost certain to captivate Malaysians and win Russia many friends here – and friendship produces dividends.

Mr Putin told a meeting of business leaders in Kuala Lumpur that south-east Asia is a significant potential market for the Russian technology sector.

The Malaysian and Russian leaders are expected to discuss international issues, including the aftermath of the US-led invasion of Iraq, which they both opposed.

It may be a reflection of cool relations with Washington that Malaysia’s shown little sign that it is in a hurry to complete a billion dollar deal to buy American fighter planes.