The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is one of the wierdest airforces in the world IMO for two reasons:
Operate a total of 5 combat types in a fleet that’s only 60 aircraft strong)
18 x Su-30MKM
8 x F/A-18D
10 x MiG-29 (6 more unserviceable)
6 x RF/F-5E/F (maybe 8 more in reserve)
19 x Hawk 108/208
Small squadrons
In the past they were even wierder with really small squadrons (8-9 aircraft). E.g. original fleet of 18 MiG-29s was divided between 2 squadrons.
This still persists with small F/A-18 and F-5 fleets as well as Hawk 108/208 fleet which is assigned to two squadrons.
MiG-29 squadrons were apparently merged due to lack of aircraft, whilst all Su-30MKMs were assigned to a single “normal” sized squadron.
By: TomcatViP - 7th April 2017 at 22:46
With news emerging that India is interested in buying the remaining 12 Malaysian MiG-29N and MiG-29UBs and in turn provide for a service center for Su-30MKM spares, it might just provide a little more impetus for the MRCA buy. Getting rid of the Fulcrum fleet will free up some cash, in addition to getting some cash from the sale, which would be welcome.
Statements made recently about cooperation with countries that operate the Rafale (most likely India, which trains RMAF pilots on the Su-30MKM and had a hand in the selection of the MiG-29N originally) would seem to indicate that the Indian buy of Rafales with the possibility of shared training and cooperation in spares supply is an additional plus point for the Rafale.
If they manage to have a Rafale build in India, that would be even a better intensive for a larger buy by India. However, the qty are not here for such an incentive beyond the symbolical level.
I was wondering if there was anything in it for a Teja buy. I mean, more Su30 and a batch of Teja for QRA would be quite economical on the long term. The Migs are not doing anything else in anyways. On the plus side they will get a large array of weaponry available through open channel.
By: BlackArcher - 7th April 2017 at 21:56
With news emerging that India is interested in buying the remaining 12 Malaysian MiG-29N and MiG-29UBs and in turn provide for a service center for Su-30MKM spares, it might just provide a little more impetus for the MRCA buy. Getting rid of the Fulcrum fleet will free up some cash, in addition to getting some cash from the sale, which would be welcome.
Statements made recently about cooperation with countries that operate the Rafale (most likely India, which trains RMAF pilots on the Su-30MKM and had a hand in the selection of the MiG-29N originally) would seem to indicate that the Indian buy of Rafales with the possibility of shared training and cooperation in spares supply is an additional plus point for the Rafale.
By: eagle1 - 31st March 2017 at 15:26
I would be cautious with that news, it seems that French spokesman is not “sure” when he says “I believe”. That would be quite a professional mistake if this information is denied.
By: TooCool_12f - 31st March 2017 at 15:00
between what is said (positive or negative) and reality, there are often some “nuances” 😉
By: Loke - 30th March 2017 at 17:43
PARIS – Malaysia, which wants to buy up to 18 combat planes in a deal potentially worth more than $2 billion, is now talking to only one supplier, France’s Dassault Aviation, about its Rafale jets, the French government spokesman said on Thursday.
“Negotiations have started. I believe there are now only negotiations with Dassault about the Rafale,” Stephane Le Foll told reporters in a briefing after a cabinet meeting.
Pressed by Reuters on whether Dassault was the only manufacturer left in the running, Le Foll said: “There is now only a bilateral negotiation. There is no other operator.”
Very odd — just days after claiming that no decision has been made and that even the SH and Gripen are in the running…
By: halloweene - 30th March 2017 at 09:14
It seems some of the local media do believe Rafale will get the contract at least if the same PM continue after the snap elections.
On verra.
It’s not press, its tabloid
By: Loke - 30th March 2017 at 07:32
It seems some of the local media do believe Rafale will get the contract at least if the same PM continue after the snap elections.
On verra.
By: TomcatViP - 28th March 2017 at 22:11
Signing a defense contract with a end-term president that won’t seek any re-election? That’d sound weird and ill-advised. I mean, they just have to keep the A400 flying to reach the same leverage effect given the situation. I would be surprised if anything is inked firmly;y tomorrow.
Today Trappier:
“Il n’y a rien de finalisé, donc nous restons humbles devant les discussions qui restent à venir”, a insisté Eric Trappier.
——–
Nothing is finalized. We are hence in an humble position regarding future negotiations(MDBA CEO Trappier)
“Part of the talk (meeting) today revolved around possibilities in terms of acquiring French defence equipment including the Rafale. Although Malaysia is not ready yet (to purchase the aircraft), it will take note of the aircraft’s success in several countries,”Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said.
By: APRichelieu - 28th March 2017 at 09:50
There are ideological requirements that have to be met for the US to sell F 35’s particularly (not many being sold to Gulf allies notice) but even F 16’s or any US jet . This is not the same as Russia, Sweden or whoever trying to book an export deal.
Secondly. These F 35 prices that get thrown around are just what LM can bare for the good of the coalition. They are not the same as cash/carry prices for other jets
Sweden certainly restricts who can buy Gripen fighters.
It is not marketed in the Middle East AFAIK, and Pakistan got a no, when they asked 2004.
By: Loke - 28th March 2017 at 09:03
Malaysia is still not ready to decide on the purchase of fighter jets from French Dassault.
“We still are not ready for a decision, but we take note of Rafale’s success in other nations,” Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said during a joint press conference with French President Francois Hollande in Kuala Lumpur Tuesday.
By: KGB - 28th March 2017 at 02:49
LIMA 2017: MRCA contenders jockey for pole position
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/lima-2017-mrca-contenders-jockey-pole-position/
Why is not LM in this race with the F-35?
If they are really considering the Rafale and Typhoon, they should IMHO also be able to consider the F-35, which is already in the same price range.
It can’t be because they will avoid US a/c for political reasons because SH seems to be in the race.
So what is the reason?
There are ideological requirements that have to be met for the US to sell F 35’s particularly (not many being sold to Gulf allies notice) but even F 16’s or any US jet . This is not the same as Russia, Sweden or whoever trying to book an export deal.
Secondly. These F 35 prices that get thrown around are just what LM can bare for the good of the coalition. They are not the same as cash/carry prices for other jets
By: TomcatViP - 28th March 2017 at 01:30
Signing a defense contract with a end-term president that won’t seek any re-election? That’d sound weird and ill-advised. I mean, they just have to keep the A400 flying to reach the same leverage effect given the situation. I would be surprised if anything is inked firmly;y tomorrow.
By: halloweene - 27th March 2017 at 23:18
Interesting…
“There will be the signing of an agreement in the field of defence, and another agreement to establish a platform for ‘Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes in Southeast Asia.
during Hollande visit tomorrow in Malaysia.
I’m afraid it will not be about Raflae, but…
By: APRichelieu - 26th March 2017 at 19:58
LIMA 2017: MRCA contenders jockey for pole position
https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-notes/lima-2017-mrca-contenders-jockey-pole-position/
Why is not LM in this race with the F-35?
If they are really considering the Rafale and Typhoon, they should IMHO also be able to consider the F-35, which is already in the same price range.
It can’t be because they will avoid US a/c for political reasons because SH seems to be in the race.
So what is the reason?
Malaysia’s defence minister Hishamuddin Hussain has squashed reports that the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon had been shortlisted for the Malaysian air force’s multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) requirement.
Asked if the ministry would settle for Eurofighter Typhoon by BAE Systems or the Rafale by Dassault Aviation, he said the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Saab Gripen “are still in the running”.
By: Sintra - 24th March 2017 at 16:16
That airforce belongs to a country that is currntly having a very frosty relation to the country those “sukhoi” chaps are from due to its airline shot down over Ukraine remember?
Wich a) didnt stoped the Sukhoi chaps from working with the RMAF and b) that disaster was three years after the RMAF RFP.
Cheers
By: alexz - 24th March 2017 at 15:41
Because the F-35A is only offered to a group of nations that are allied (or pretty much alligned) with the USA, and at least for now, delivering that particular aircraft to an airforce who happens to work with some chaps called “Sukhoi” is a big “no-no”?
Cheers
That airforce belongs to a country that is currntly having a very frosty relation to the country those “sukhoi” chaps are from due to its airline shot down over Ukraine remember?
By: Sintra - 23rd March 2017 at 18:34
Hmmm i thought some expected to offer it to India?
I have my doubts (i´ve shared them in the apropriate topic) that will happen in the next few years, but i also admited that i may be wrong. But we will see if i am right or wrong in the next months, if Dave B or C are offered to the Indian Navy, i was wrong, if the only American offer is the SH, well…
By: halloweene - 23rd March 2017 at 18:24
Because the F-35A is only offered to a group of nations that are allied (or pretty much alligned) with the USA, and at least for now, delivering that particular aircraft to an airforce who happens to work with some chaps called “Sukhoi” is a big “no-no”?
Cheers
Hmmm i thought some expected to offer it to India?
By: halloweene - 23rd March 2017 at 18:24
By the time Malaysia will introduce new a/c, F-35 will be fully operational.
That is absolutely possible.
By: Sintra - 23rd March 2017 at 17:34
sigh… and why did LM not offer the F-35A?
Because the F-35A is only offered to a group of nations that are allied (or pretty much alligned) with the USA, and at least for now, delivering that particular aircraft to an airforce who happens to work with some chaps called “Sukhoi” is a big “no-no”?
Cheers
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August 7, 2013 at 5:33 am