Page 3 - LIMA 2023 - DAY 2 | DAILY NEWS

...Cont’d from PG 1

The RMAF is currently developing its
capability to respond with the application
of force (Detect, Deter and Deny/Defeat)
in conducting multi-domain operations
through ready, responsive and resilient air-
power. CAP 55 envisages that the RMAF
will be able to operate simultaneously in
two theatres of conflict.

In the first phase of CAP 55, the RMAF is
focussing on its maritime role due to the
existing geostrategic environment. PT
Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has already
completed the upgrade of three CN235
MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft) for
the RMAF. The RMAF is also soon expected mobility and tactical capability, special (MPA), Medium Altitude Long Endurance
to conclude a contract two Leonardo forces operations missions and airborne Unmanned Aerial Systems (MALE UAS),
ATR72MP maritime patrol aircraft as well. early warning and control systems. Fighter Lead-In-Trainer (LCA/FLIT), new
In the second and third phases of CAP 55, Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), new
which begin in 2031 and 2046 respectively, Over the course of CAP 55, the RMAF will helicopters and training aircraft, along with
the RMAF will focus on enhancing its air have inducted new maritime patrol aircraft new radars and air defence systems.

model on display shows an aircraft armed
with two wingtip AIM-9 ‘Sidewinder’ mis-
siles, two AGM-65 ‘Maverick’ air-to-ground
weapons and a designator-pod on the cen-
treline. The RMAF is slated to take delivery
of its first FA-50 in 2026 and will receive
a version with Malaysia specific changes
related to aerial refueling and a wider range
of armament. The RMAF is expected to
place an additional order at later date for
18 more aircraft, taking the total number
of FA-50s in its fleet to 36. Apart from the
Malaysian order, KAI has exported a total of
68 aircraft to the Southeast Asian market,
such as the KT-1, T-50, and FA-50. Exports
of the T-50 series in total stand at 138 air-
craft, including Malaysia, with Indonesia
(22), Iraq (24), Philippines (12), Thailand
KAI UNVEILS FA-50 IN RMAF LIVERY (14) and Poland (48). KAI has exported 84
KT-1 basic trainer aircraft to Indonesia (20),

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) is dis- FA-50s in a contract worth USD920 million. Turkey (40), Peru (20) and Senegal (4). KAI
playing a model of its FA-50 light attack Malaysia joins Indonesia, the Philippines is now targeting export prospects in the
aircraft in Royal Malaysian Air Force and Thailand as other regional operators region for its KF-21, which will be acquired
(RMAF) colours at the ongoing LIMA. KAI of the Korean type. The other contender for by Indonesia and its Surion helicopter. The
had announced earlier this year in February, the contract was India’s indigenously devel- KF-21 is a 4.5 gen combat jet, which is cur-
that it had bagged the RMAF order for 18 oped Tejas Mk-1 light fighter. The FA-50 rently undergoing prototype testing.

Editorial Director Arun Sivasankaran Art Director
Vittorio Rossi Prudente arun.sivasankaran@gbp.com.sg Sudheesh Kularmunda
PUBLISHED BY vittorio.prudente@gbp.com.sg Atul Chandra sudheesh.kularmunda@gbp.com.sg
atul.chandra@gbp.com.sg
Editorial Team Sales Director
Jay Menon Gordon Arthur Akshay Satyamurthy
jay.menon@gbp.com.sg anodrog@hotmail.com akshay.satyamurthy@gbp.com.sg

LIMA 2023 MAY-24-2023 3