Nov 7, 2017 Bilal Khan
IHS Jane’s Defence Weekly reports that the Royal
Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is mulling lightweight multi-role fighter options to
complement its fleet of twin-engine medium and heavyweight fighters, i.e. the
F/A-18D and Su-30MKM, respectively.
“The [RMAF] is looking at its capabilities for the next
15-years-or-so, and how best we can suit our requirements,” IHS Jane’s quoted a
Malaysian official, who added, “As part of our future capability plans we are
looking at a new [LCA] that will have some air-to-air and a full air-to-ground
capability.”
Notes & Comments:
Earlier in 2017, the RMAF sought bids for an active
requirement of 18 next-generation multi-role fighters to supplant its aging
MiG-29s. Saab, BAE Systems and Dassault pitched the Gripen, Typhoon and Rafale,
respectively, but fiscal constraints prompted Kuala Lumpur to shelve the
program.
Although the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50
Golden Eagle, which has been inducted in Thailand and Indonesia, could be a
plausibly strong option, Malaysia might also look at its Eastern options. Kuala
Lumpur maintains a diverse armament supplier pool, which is evident in its use
of Russian jets along with F/A-18 and order of Chinese Littoral Mission Ships
to join its French Gowind-based Littoral Combat Ships.
The RMAF releasing a bid for lightweight fighters could
draw Russia and China with the MiG-35 and J-10 as well as JF-17, respectively.
United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) is positioning the MiG-35 as an affordable
high-tech solution, and Malaysia is among UAC’s prospective markets. Besides
meeting the light fighter requirement, UAC could aim to have the RMAF supplant
its MiG-29 with the MiG-35.
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) had been hopeful of
securing a JF-17 sale in Malaysia, but in 2015, Malaysian officials rejected
the notion that the RMAF was interested in the platform. However, it is worth
noting that the JF-17 could be the lowest cost option for a lightweight
fighter, one that could also leverage a diverse catalogue of Chinese guided
air-to-surface munitions, including several stand-off range weapons such as the
YJ-6 sub-munition dispenser glide-bomb and C-802A anti-ship missile (AShM).
Moreover, the RMAF could recycle its experience and infrastructure for the
RD-33 to support the RD-93 turbofan engine.
Saab could also position the JAS-39C/D Gripen, which
could fit with the RMAF’s lightweight fighter need while also provide a
long-term bridge to replacing the MiG-29. Of the available Western options, the
Gripen would possess the lowest acquisition and life-cycle costs. Saab can also
leverage its RBS-15-series of AShM (the RBS-15Mk3 can double as a land-attack
cruise missile) while also presenting the RMAF with many certified and tested
air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions from industry leaders, such as MBDA and
Raytheon, among others.
Original post: quwa.org
Author needs to check the details Gripen is not the
lowest cost option it was quoted at $93 million to Indonesia more expensive
than the Su-30SM or MiG-35…..
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