RMAF Future; need opinions

[Dzirhan]

if it was up to me, I'll ask the RMAF what they actually think is their best option. To be honest until the pilot production problem is resolved, talk of additional fighters is somewhat moot (particularly with SU-30s taking up two and so would the F version of the Superhornet if we chose that). If you go for more of same type, then it might make sense on the face of it for more MKMs but support wise the MKMs may be problematic, the RMAF and the Russians seem to have problems working together on that and the integration is still ongoing.

[nevidimka]

Do any of you know the itinerary of the thunderbirds/RMAF airshow in Subang airport this friday and saturday?

What time will the show start and will there be a static display of the RMAF planes and what other air/force will be taking part?

Also what is the occasion anyways?

BTW on the topic, couldn't RMAF go for the single seat Sukhoi's in the MKM version? The new Su 35 Avionics allows the multirole functions to be handled by a single pilot. Since the planes are of the same type.. a mix of the 2 types would it be too heavy on the logistics?

[nevidimka]

Nvm, I got it. I think its from Dzirhan.

Itinerary provided by RMAF PR Department courtesy of Pirate, Alert5.

1. 1ST Oct 09 (Thursday).
1200H – Arrival of 2 X C17 at Subang Air Base.
1430H -1500H – Arrival of 8 X F16.
- Arrival of 2 X KC135 Tanker.
2. 2nd Oct 09 (Friday).

Practice Day / Media.

0900H – Final Planning Meeting.
- Base Opened Day. (Armed forces & Embassy Staff)
1030H -1100H – C17 Demonstration.
1100H -1130H – Shukoi Air Show.
1130H -1230H – Thunderbirds Air Show. (Fly Over Twin Tower)
1200H – F16 fly-by with Chief of Armed Forces.

3. 3rd Oct 09 (Saturday).

Actual Day / Open for Public.

0900H – Base Open Crowd.
0915H – Arrival of Guests.
0930H – Arrival of Chief of RMAF.
0945H – Arrival of Chief of Armed Forces.
1000H – Arrival of Diplomats.
1015H – Arrival of Dignitaries.
1030H -1100H – C17 Demonstration.
1100H -1130H – Sukhoi Air Show.
1130H -1230H – Thunderbirds Air Show.
1245H -1300H – Autograph Signing by Thunderbirds Crew.
1300H – VVIP & pilot Photography session.
Lunch.
1400H – Programme End.


Just wanna know will there be static display by RMAF sukhois in the show??

[Dzirhan]

1 sukhoi on display and 1 for airshow, C-17 flight may not be on.

[nevidimka]

What about entrance fee? How much is it if you dont mind me asking this late.

Thanks.

[Dzirhan]

Originally Posted by nevidimka

What about entrance fee? How much is it if you dont mind me asking this late.

Thanks.

Free entry

[nevidimka]

thanks again Dzirhan!.

[nevidimka]

Malaysian Mig's to stay on and wont be retired. Apparently the logistics problem is more due to the middlemen dealing compared to russian logistics support according to this article.

Malaysian Defence Blog Archive Mig-29N and the Middlemen Mafia

[STURM]

The paper ' The Impact of Singapore’s Military Development on Malaysia’s Security' may have been badly written and flawed in some aspects, but in my humble opinion it has got something right- Indonesia continues to pose a security challenge to Malaysia, as it has for the past few decades. Despite the ups and downs in relations with Singapore, which Malaysia has much in common in terms of history, culture and economics, ties with Indonesia have always been more problematic. Over the years, the Malaysian government has gone out of its way to mantain good relations with it large neighbour. Until recently, the 'Confrontation', was almost never mentioned in the Malaysian press.

[genduthijau]

Originally Posted by the road runner

For Cost I would also agree that the Gripen with a package of AEWC of Saab would be a very attractive proposition.

For capability you cannot go pass the F18 E/F/G Rhinos,(i honestley think they will win alot of contracts over the next 10 years,Indian order,Brazil and also the new aircraft for the UK navys Aircraft carriers)

As to Ex US F/A 18D hornets, i would stay away from those fatigued airframes.Remember they are Navy planes ,that have had such forces placed on there Airframes by the rigors of landing and takeoffs from Carriers.

Also i would assume that a number of ex US F18 A/B/C/D would have corrosive issues on the airframes,being a Navy plane.

Malaysia should consolidate its fleet.I am a believer in the F18 Rhinos,but thats me.

As the Malays have purchased SU30.........maybee this is the aircraft they should just continue to purchase,sell the F18,and consolidate the Fleet of SU 30s

Comments always welcomed
Regards.......

IMO, RMAF did not the ideas of having single engine fighter. That's why RMAF choosed Mig29's, SU30MKM's and the famous bugs. I don'w why, may be reliability issue. But more engines means more money. Just my opinion.

[nevidimka]

Is there any news on when at least RMAF plans to follow up the second batch of SU 30 MKM's?
India is already planning on an upgrade for their batch of SU 30 MKI's which is the same mould from where the MKM came from.
If the gov continues with its current style of spending a liltle bit on everything on a rotary basis, by the time it gets back to the SU 30, the initial batch planes would be outdated and they will have to look at upgrades together with a new batch of planes.
I think the MAF should consider overlooking the replacement of the burnt RMN ship for now and concentrate on completing the air force capabilities, that is the second batch of SU 30's and AWACS by selling off the MiG 29's. If possible also look at replacing the bugs with the superbugs.

This will certainly give the MAF more capable air supremacy against potential adversaries in the region during this troubled times. Any potential adversaries would have to deal with an overwhelming capability in the air by MAF if a country wants to think about attacking Malaysia.

That I think will certainly buy us more time b4 we go back to the round robin method of upgrading the MAF.

[Ananda]

From Tempur English section Sunday 11/10/09

In Malaysia, Rosoboronexport State Corp has at last initiated discussions with MINDEF Malaysia aimed at buying back the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) remaining 15 MiG-29Ns (which have been progressively grounded since early this year) and in turn supplying the RMAF with an follow-on batch of six Su-30MKMs at a fair price. If this deal is finalised, then the RMAF will eventually possess a total of 24 Su-30MKMs. Elsewhere, Russia will complete deliveries of an initial eight Su-30MK2s to Vietnam in 2010. Russia and Vietnam had signed a $500 million contact for the sale of the eight Su-30MK2s last January. “The contract was signed in January, and we will fulfill it in 2009-2010,” Alexander Mikheyev, Deputy General Director of Rosoboronexport State Corp said during MAKS-2009. Mikheyev added that Vietnam had already made several advanced payments under the contract and the deliveries would be made in two batches of four aircraft each. Vietnam has also expressed interest in buying eight additional Su-30MK2s, and talks on a new contract could start in the near future. Su-30MK2s are presently operational with China’s PLA Air Force, PLA Navy and the Indonesian Air Force.

How reliable it'is ?? Quite a good deal in my oppinion considering RMAF will not going to use those Mig 29 anymore.

[OPSSG]

Originally Posted by Ananda

From Tempur English section Sunday 11/10/09

How reliable it'is ?? Quite a good deal in my opinion considering RMAF will not going to use those Mig 29 anymore.

It makes sense for Rosoboronexport State Corp, if they can make it happen, given that we have people telling us that the RMAF is not delighted with the service provided, thus far. The Russians are smart, the more Malaysia buys, the more incentive Indonesia will have in buying more (to see if the Russians can get a little Maritime Southeast Asia arms race going on).

Link to the relevant Tempur article here.

[genduthijau]

Originally Posted by nevidimka

Is there any news on when at least RMAF plans to follow up the second batch of SU 30 MKM's?
India is already planning on an upgrade for their batch of SU 30 MKI's which is the same mould from where the MKM came from.
If the gov continues with its current style of spending a liltle bit on everything on a rotary basis, by the time it gets back to the SU 30, the initial batch planes would be outdated and they will have to look at upgrades together with a new batch of planes.
I think the MAF should consider overlooking the replacement of the burnt RMN ship for now and concentrate on completing the air force capabilities, that is the second batch of SU 30's and AWACS by selling off the MiG 29's. If possible also look at replacing the bugs with the superbugs.

This will certainly give the MAF more capable air supremacy against potential adversaries in the region during this troubled times. Any potential adversaries would have to deal with an overwhelming capability in the air by MAF if a country wants to think about attacking Malaysia.

That I think will certainly buy us more time b4 we go back to the round robin method of upgrading the MAF.

IMO MAF should upgrade their SAM capabilities. Current capabilities are restricted to SHORADS and VSHORADS. A battery or two of S300-PMU1 could do the job just fine. But then again there will be integration issues. Any aggressor would think twice if such asset are made avalaible and operational in Malaysia.

But then come the money issue. Do Malaysia have the cash and resources to operate and maintain the system?

[nevidimka]

I know there is a debate on using those SAM as opposed to acquiring expensive Air Force, but I do not think that is the right way to go. While SAM's are important defensive equipments, we cannot forgo the jets in protecting the country. These jets are more flexible, and be able to serve both the defensive and offensive role when need arises.