KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 —The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are expected to take delivery of final consignment of six Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter aircraft from Russia by year’s end.
Chief of Air Force Jen Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin said the six Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighters will complete Malaysia’s purchase of the 18 sophisticated aircraft and further bolster the RMAF’s inventory in defending Malaysian air space.
He added that the consignment was also in tandem with the RMAF’s development plans to remain relevant and competitive, and increase the country’s defence capability with state-of-the-art air defence.
“We have already received 12 such aircraft and the remaining six are expected to arrive by year end. The 12 already in our inventory are used in training from time to time,” said Azizan at a special interview at the Ministry of Defence here today, in conjunction with RMAF’s 51st Anniversary celebrations on June 1.
All the fighters will be equipped with the latest radar systems for superior combat agility and manoeuvrability.
Malaysia and the Russian government agency, Rosoboronexport, signed a US$900 million (RM3.4 billion) contract for 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM (Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Malaysia or Modernised Commercial Malaysia) aircraft.
In return for the purchase, Russia agreed to train and send a Malaysian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) and also buy palm oil from Malaysia.
Azizan said RMAF would also take delivery of four Airbus A400M aircrafts, two in 2013 and the rest in 2014. He added that the RMAF also had plans to add to its current inventory but it would depend on the government’s budget and capability.
Meanwhile, Azizan added that the RMAF base in Sungai Besi should be retained as a national heritage, and not be demolished or commercialised since the base has served as a rescue operation centre for air traffic, especially RMAF, police and Fire services department. — Bernama
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It isn't that difficult given how many out of work "engineers" we have.