RMAF Showcases Combat Edge

Our Bureau - : May 20, 2025 - : 12:31 am

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The RMAF is displaying its advancements as a combat force at the ongoing LIMA. Malaysia’s air arm has transformed in recent years into a contemporary and capable air arm, that can undertake a diverse array of missions at short notice to protect Malaysia’s territorial integrity. On static display at Langkawi are key RMAF platforms such as the Sukhoi SU-30 MKM, Boeing F/A 18D, BAE Systems Hawk Mk108/208, Leonardo AW 139, Airbus A400M and CN-235. The RMAF operates approximately 25 fighter aircraft comprised of SU-30MKMs and F/A-18Ds, in addition to approximately one dozen BAE Systems Hawk 108/208 single-seat light attack aircraft

The RMAF celebrated its 66th anniversary, last year in June and is now focussed on its Capability Towards 2055 (CAP55) Development Plan. Towards this plan the RMAF will now induct 18 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) in the Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 M. This is a major acquisition as the type features state-of-the-art sensors and weapons but is also relatively economical to operate and will demonstrate high availability rates. The RMAF’s recent acquisitions reflect a proactive approach, catering to the escalating costs of procurement and maintenance, which are coupled with the rapid pace of technological advancement. This has led to a nuanced reconsideration of its procurement strategy.

The commencement of deliveries of 18 FA-50s along with the succesful local completion of Sukhoi Su-30MKM SLEP is a much-needed boost for the RMAF’s combat potential. The RMAF is also acquiring three Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in the Turkish Aerospace Anka, 12 utility helicopters, two ATR-72 MPAs, three long-range air defence radars and four batteries of Medium Range Surface to Air Missiles (SAM). On the rotorcraft front, it appears that the RMAF will further opt for lease of helicopters, freeing up much needed funds for its other acquisition and operational needs. These efforts aim to modernize the RMAF’s fleet will dramatically enhance its readiness to respond to any eventuality.

New Direction

The RMAF inked a US$ 920 million contract with Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) in February 2023 for 18 FA-50s. The RMAF is expected to place an additional order at a later date for 18 more aircraft, taking the total number of FA-50s in its fleet to 36. Deliveries of the 18 aircraft on order begin next year. Malaysia will join Indonesia, the RMAF Showcases Combat Edge LIMA 2025 MAY-20-2025 13 Philippines and Thailand who are the other regional operators of the Korean type, which is an export success for its manufacturer. The RMAF has asked for specific changes related to aerial refueling and the incorporation of a wider range of armament on its FA-50s. KAI had displayed a model of the FA-50 light attack aircraft in RMAF colours at LIMA 2023, where it was shown armed with two wingtip AIM-9 ‘Sidewinder’ missiles, two AGM-65 ‘Maverick’ air-to-ground weapons and a designator-pod on the centreline. This indicates that the RMAF has opted for significant amount of weapons commonality with its existing fleets.

The RMAF had also announced this January that it had concluded the Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for its fleet of Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft. The completion of the programme was marked by a visit from Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin to Gong Kedak Air Base. Accompanied by the RMAF Commander, Gen Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Mohd Asghar Khan bin Goriman Khan TUDM, the minister inspected the operational readiness of Su-30MKM aircraft managed by No. 12 Squadron and officiated at the contract handover ceremony for the SLEP initiative.

This initiative is expected to extend the operational lifespan of the Russianmade jets by ten years. The Su-30MKM SLEP performed domestically, involved over 75 engineers and technicians from the RMAF, Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC), and other industry partners. ATSC, a government-owned entity, was responsible for maintaining the RMAF’s now phased-out MiG-29N fleet. The RMAF announced a partnership with ATSC for the SLEP in October 2021. With the implementation of this program, the Su-30MKM fleet, which was first delivered in 2007, will remain operational until 2035.

The local completion of the SLEP avoids the need for lengthy overseas maintenance and has supported the growth of Malaysia’s defence industry. Speaking about the programme, officials have emphasised its importance in maintaining the RMAF’s strategic assets and reducing reliance on foreign maintenance services. ATSC’s Sukhoi Technical Centre (STC) is located at RMAF Gong Kedak Air Base, Gong Kedak, Terengganu and was established in 2011 as a Maintenance, Repair And Overhaul (MRO) centre for the RMAF Su-30MKM aircraft and its components. In October 2023, a delegation from the RMAF, ATSC and DGTA Malaysia had visited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Nasik and Hyderabad facilities in India, with the primary objective to carry out Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of landing gears set overhauled at HAL Nasik, and to audit and verify HAL‘s capability in providing logistics support to Su-30MKM.

Unmanned Drive

The RMAF is also slated to receive deliveries this year of three Anka-S MALE UAVs ordered from Turkish Aerospace in a deal worth US$91.6 million inked in May 2023. The RMAF’s Anka-S UAVs will not be armed but will be used to undertake maritime ISR missions. The Anka is operational with several users worldwide, having accumulated over 400,000 flight hours. The MALE UAV has a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 1.7 tonne and a can carry in excess of 350 kg of payload. It has a service ceiling of 30,000 feet and an endurance of more than 30 hours. It shares a Common Avionics Architecture and Ground Segment systems with Turkish Aerospace’s Aksungur and Anka III drones. Turkish Aerospace undertook the maiden flight of the Anka in December 2010, following which series production commenced in October 2013 with a Turkish order for 10 aircraft under the Anka-S programme

Rmaf / Lima / Su-30-2 /

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