more details on Malaysia retirement of MiG-29 – 5 year plan to withdraw them

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Military Aviation
03:28 pm – Tuesday
Malaysia to retire its MiG-29 fighters
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Due to the problems that the aircraft had through the years
(WAPA) – Malaysia is going to gradually retire its fleet of MiG-29 fighters in the next 5 years. The decision has been taken by the defence ministry of Kuala Lumpur due to the problems suffered by these type of aircraft through the years.

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysian minister of defence, stated: “I have decided that from next month, the aircraft will be phased out and we should find a way to sell them to certain companies or countries approved by the United Nations”. Hamidi’s words were reported by local press agency “Bernama”. Which aircraft will be replacing the MiG-29s has not yet been unveiled.

Problems with these aircraft had concerned in particular the availability of spares and the mainteinance. Another option would be a complete upgrade of the fighters, but it would probably be a more expensive and less effective solution.

The Mikoyan MiG-29 is a single-seat twin-engine fourth generation air superiority aircraft built in the early 80s. It is 17.37 meters long and has a wingspan of 11.4 meters. With a maximum takeoff weight of 21,000 kg it can reach a speed of Mach 2.25 (2,445 km/h) with a ceiling of 18,013 meters and a range of 700 km. It is powered by two Klimov RD-33 turbofan engines with afterburner. The MiG-29 can be armed with a GSh-30-1 cannon and 3,500 kg of weaponry, including six air-to-air missiles. (Avionews)
(009) 090603152826-1105347 (World Aeronautical Press Agency – 2009-06-03 03:28 pm)