According to Russian aviation writer Yefim Gordon in ‘Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum’, the Fulcrums [izdeliye 9-12SD] were manufactured from 1988 to 1990 and were stored at Lookhovitsy airfield after the Soviet Air force was unable to pay for them.

That’s why Malaysian MiGs were received in one year time.

Malaysia need to purchase hardware from US in order to keep a political string with the White House. Unfortunately, US manufacturer is not good enough to negotiate a certain ‘extra payment’. We have few issues with this ‘payment’ with Scorpene subs and MKMs.

There was supposed to be a follow on order of more F/A-18D’s. It was derailed because of the Asian Economic crisis of 1998. When the country recovered, the govt decided not to buy US weapons, due to Muslim sensitivities regarding the War on Terror in Afghanistan, and later the war in Iraq.

nope. Firstly, because the availability of E/F model. Why choose the older version. Secondly, the source code issue.

One give thousand reason to purchase a new fighter. new deal means more money under the table.

Actually, the MiG-29N is still a capable fighter, with only 1/4 of total flying hours spent. the minister said Malaysia need to spend RM260m (@ USD70m) a year on maintenance.

But, 4 type of fighters are too many for a small airforce such as Malaysia (MKM, F/A-18, Mig-29 and Hawk 208). Malaysia need to dispose both MiG-29 and F/A-18D and opt for a more economical fighter in term of operating cost. Gripen is highly rated within Malaysia.

The shortest take-off, I believe is the JA-37, bar the Harrier.

I don’t quite understand how F35 and Gripen can be in the same competition. They are half or a full generation apart. They are vastly different in weight. F35 is not available yet or fully tested. It is going to cost a lot more than Gripen. Gripen is the first mil jet I’ve seen that breaks the ‘cost increase’ curve, and why not? Why do people always EXPECT everything to get more expensive all the time? Sure… things are more complex, but the design tools and techniques are better.

If someone suddenly finds a way around stealth (if they haven’t already), JSF will be an overnight expensive flop, and a big waste of money to anyone who buys it.

But according to SAAB, the NG is not stop gap for F-35, meaning that it is comparable to F-35.

UK should learn the result of abandoning the race for airliners in the 50’s. UK once has good airliners manufacturers such as de Havilland, Avro, Bristol, etc. Now, their do the same for fighters. The last true fighter from UK must be the BAe Lightning.

What a title…. 😀

Then, what fighter should replace the X-Wing?