By Usman Ansari
Editor's note: The original version of this article, published at 2:47 p.m. ET Monday, stated that Malaysia was considering the JF-17 as an option for its Air Force modernization program, as signaled by its High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Hasrul Sani, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), but this article has been updated to reflect the defence minister denying interest in the fighter.
ISLAMABAD — Malaysia's Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein has denied media reports that the country is considering the Sino-Pakistani JF-17 Thunder as part of its Air Force modernization plans. Analysts nevertheless think the JF-17 is on the cusp of export success.
Hussein was responding to a question put to him by Malaysian news media after an interview Malaysia's High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Hasrul Sani gave the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP). He was reported to have discussed the JF-17 in the context of boosting the wider bilateral relationship.
However, even before the official denial of interest, analysts were unsure Malaysia would buy the JF-17 despite believing the aircraft is well-suited to its requirements.
Though it would complement the heavier Su-30MKM Flanker fighters in service, Malaysian sources privately indicated that Western fighters already under consideration stand a more realistic chance of being selected.
Malaysia has long indicated a desire to replace its remaining US-supplied F-5E/F fighter aircraft, and the MiG-29s it acquired from Russia in the '90s. This may result in an order for 36 to 40 aircraft, according to information available on the program.
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