MMRCA for Malaysia

Not sure if this topic, or similar, has been posted before but here before, so anyway.

As Malaysia scouts for fifth-generation replacement jet fighters for its ageing fleet, at least five contenders are bidding to be part of this ambitious programme, worth billions of ringgit.

France’s Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the United States’ Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Europe’s Eurofighter Typhoon, the Swedish JAS-39 Gripen and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E are reportedly the top contenders for the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) new-generation front-line fighters.

The MRCA programme is to replace the 16 Russian MiG-29N Fulcrums purchased in 1995.

http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne%2BNews/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20110903-297504.html

So, pretty much the same aircraft taking part in Malaysia’s MMRCA competition as India’s and around the same time line of deliveries – 2015.

So which ones have a good chance?

The Typhoon and Rafale will no doubt well given how far they’ve got in India. Probably be the most sought after.

I would have doubts over the F/A-18 – same reasons as in India, lack of trust and ToT from the US side.

Sweden’s Gripen could also have a good chance, maybe they’ve learned a few lessons from the Indian competition(?)

Russia’s Flanker-E could do well also.

Should be interesting. Providing politics don’t mess things up that is…

What are your thoughts?