LANGKAWI, March 31 (NNN- Bernama) — The fact that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is considering to replace its ageing jets has become the centre of attention among fighter jet manufacturers from all over the world during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2019 (LIMA’19) Exhibition here.
However, a twist of events put Asian jet makers and their jets in the forefront including Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s Tejas from India, Sino-Pakistani’s JF-17 from Pakistan and Korea Aerospace Industry’s FA-50.
The traditional front runners from Europe – BAE System’s Typhoon, Dassault Aviation’s Rafale and Saab’s Gripen – are now trailing behind after Malaysia announced that it might reconsider buying from Europe, since the European Union (EU) is considering banning palm oil use in bio-fuel.
In conjunction with Lima, Bernama met with two of the Asian fighter jet manufacturers ready to assist RMAF in replacing its ageing fleet.
Its chairman and managing director R. Madhavan believed Tejas has all that it takes to emerge as a good replacement for the current jets at RMAF’s disposal.
“I do think we can offer a good package for Malaysia, we are the largest manufacturing company in this part of the world for aeronautics and aerospace and we have a range of products which we can provide Malaysia.
“Indian Air Force has been using Tejas since 2016 and we have also received over 120 proposals to replace their old jets, pending orders from them,” he told Bernama on Saturday (March 30) at the sidelines of Lima.
Photo courtesy Bernama
Tejas made its debut at Lima and also marked its first appearance in South East Asia.
Last Tuesday, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had the opportunity to take a closer look at the jet on display at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre.
What is more interesting, Madhavan said the Bangalore-based company can customise the jet to Malaysia’s specifications.
Tejas is configured with a single engine and can fly at supersonic speed and above 50,000ft (15,000m). This agile war machine’s weapon capability features a beyond visual range missile, bombs, gun, close combat missile, laser-guided bomb, drop tanks and laser designated pod.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) said the company’s FA-50 light attack aircraft is the best replacement for Malaysia’s ageing fleet.
He said the South Korean company had also submitted information about the aircraft to the government of Malaysia. “We know about the condition of Malaysia’s fighter jet and we have given a proposal to the government with all the information. Right now we can only hope for the best,” he said.
Since entering service in 2005, over 200 FA-50 aircraft and its derivatives have been sold to countries like Indonesia, Philippines, Iraq and Thailand.
The FA-50 is developed together by KAI and Lockheed Martin Aeronautics of United States. Last June, RMAF chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang revealed that 40% of the assets need immediate upgrading as they have surpassed their 20-year lifespan.
These assets include BAE Hawks which have been in service for 25 years, American Boeing F/A-18D Hornet (20 years) and the Russian Sukhoi SU-30MKM Flankers (10 years).
Lima which kicked off here Tuesday, ended today after seeing the participation of 406 companies, comprising 206 local and 200 foreign, which are mostly defence-related. – Bernama
