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| Dassault Rafale (File Photo) |
By NIGEL PITTAWAY
LANGKAWI, Malaysia — Western fighter jet manufacturers attended the 12th Langkawi Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition in Malaysia, anticipating the launch of that country’s delayed Multi-Role Combat Aircraft program, but recent conflict has refocused attention on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, particularly maritime surveillance.
Armed militants recently launched an incursion into the East Malaysian state of Sabah, and this attracted the attention of government and industry.
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| Eurofighter Typhoon (File Photo) |
The Royal Malaysian Air Force has a requirement for 18 multirole combat aircraft to replace its Russian-built MiG-29s, which are due to be retired in 2015. Malaysia had planned to retire the MiGs by the end of 2009 but gave the fleet a stay of execution because of defense budget constraints.
Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has identified four or five manufacturers who will compete for the multibillion-ringgit contract, including Boeing (F/A-18 Super Hornet), Dassault (Rafale), Eurofighter (Typhoon), Saab (Gripen) and Sukhoi (Su-30).
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| Boeing Super Hornet (File Photo) |
The four Western fighters were displayed at LIMA on March 26-30, participating in the daily flying displays. The Malaysian Air Force operates 18 Su-30MKMs, procured under an earlier contract.
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