According to my readings:-

1) Malaysia MiG and Su-30MKM are wired for R-77, but none of this missile being puchased. Even in Su-30MKM deal, it was clearly mentioned that R-77 procurement is not part of it. The procurement of R-77 is depend on the situation of neighbouring countries (AMRAAM for Thailand and Singapore, R-77 for Vietnam and Indonesia).

2) Singapore did purchased 100+ AMRAAM but all of them are stored in USA. It will urgently delivered to Singapore if the situation required.

About Malaysia to put the MICA on the MKM, I never heard such official news even rumor in local magazine. btw, why buy MICA since it has shorter range than R-77 and R-27

Luckily for Malaysia that they have both the F/A-18D and their MiG-29N going to be upgraded to SMT standard. No headache then.

I saw their Hornet and Fulcrum pictured side by side at LIMA 2003. Never thought that US and Russia fighters defending together the same country.

Next turn would be Super Hornet and Su-30MKM.

I thought the Su-30MKM was supposed to replace that interest. Or maybe they still want to replace the old C/Ds? In any case, interest and fulfillment are separate. Would the US sell?

The US Congress already approved the sale of up to 18 F/A-18F to Malaysia and Boeing already agreed to accept back the F/A-18D as part of the payment. Local analysis showed that the number of F/A-18F going to be purchased is lower than that. Even few suggested that Malaysia to opt more of MKM rather than buying F/A-18F.

I don’t see why they’re bothering with the bug or super bug. For the money you pay for the Super bug, they might as well go for the Rafale, at least you will get MICA, and in the near future, AASM. An Su-30MKM and Rafale combo will be an interesting but expensive.

Correct!!

But the defense minister mentioned that the european fighters is not suitable for Malaysia, which I don’t see any concrete reason behind that statement. Maybe due to political reason, which Malaysia need to keep a string attached to the White House.

European fighters are excellent ac and Malaysia could get more armament option, but the cheapest one (Gripen) is about the same price as MKM.

Q: No intention of deviating from the topic Flanker but why did Malaysia buy Flanker when they already have Fulcrum and Hornet?

at first, the MKM is going to replace the MiG-29N and the Super Hornet to replace the Hornet. Latest news is:-

MiG-29N is going to stay at Kuantan AB. Current number are 16 units (14 single seat and 2 trainers). Suggested by the airforce to upgrade to SMT standard(at least the glass cockpit). Waiting budget approval

acquisition of the second batch of F/A-18D failed due to out of production. High probability that current 8 F/A-18D will be sold back to Boeing if the purchase of 18 F/A-18F materialised (USD1.5b). The deal will be confirmed by 2006. Recent analysis show that the interest for F/A-18F by Malaysia is reduced due to the reluctance of US to release higher performance F/A-18F armaments to Malaysia. Current malaysian F/A-18D only mount lesser weapons such as AIM-7 sparrow, AGM-84A, Maverick, LGB, etc.. No AMRAAM, no HARM, no AGM-84C.

Anyone remember which factory in Russia produces which FLANKERs?

two seat tandem flankers are prodcued at Irkuts, while the single seat and side by side seating are at other place.

just a model of MKM

2) 18 Su-30MKM for $900 million, expected to be delivered in 2006-2007

– the first 6 units by end of 2006 and the rest by 2007
– all will be stationed at Gong Kedak AB, where the upgrading is now taking place to accept the bigger aircraft.
– weapon suite included AA-10 and AA-11 AAM but no AA-12. Air to ground including Kh-58M and Kh-31A.
– MKM is based on MKI (thus TVC and canard), but all Israeli avionics are going to be replaced by the french and the south african.