Malaysia to phase-out troublesome MIG-29

[Pieter C. 5]

Malaysia to phase out troublesome MiG-29 fighters

By Siva Govindasamy

 

Malaysia has announced plans to phase out its RSK MiG-29N fighters over the next few years, with the fleet having been plagued by problems since it bought the type in the early 1990s.

 

"I have decided that from next month, the aircraft will be phased out and we should find a way to sell them to certain companies or countries approved by the United Nations," Malaysia's new defence minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the official Bernama news agency.

 

The minister did not say what would replace the MiG-29s, which are operated in an interceptor role. The Royal Malaysian Air Force is scheduled to receive its last six of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs by year-end, and already operates eight Boeing F/A-18Ds and 13 BAE Systems Hawk 208s that are used in a light attack role.

 

Industry sources say Malaysia has encountered problems in obtaining spares for its 14 MiG-29s, and that maintenance has been an issue for a long while. A mid-life upgrade had been mooted as a possible solution to the problems, but sources say it would be cheaper over the long run to buy new fighters instead.

 

Kuala Lumpur already has a pending requirement for another 18 fighters. Observers believe that it could begin a competition in a few years and assess the Su-30, Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and potentially Saab's Gripen. The air force could now ask the defence ministry to increase the number of fighters it buys through this tender to replace the MiG-29s.

 

One problem, however, is Malaysia's tight defence budget. Last October, the global economic crisis forced it to delay a plan to buy Eurocopter EC725s to replace its army's Sikorsky S-61 "Nuri" utility helicopters.

 

It has also postponed a plan to buy eight airborne early warning and control system aircraft until the 10th Malaysia Plan, covering 2011-15, or even the subsequent plan, spanning 2016-20. The country also has requirements for maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

 

[Ignatius 4]

There goes the diesel engine

[Tamizi Hj Tamby 1]

Oh my..

 

Even the purchase of EC725 helicopters were delayed;now they're planning to replace the MiG-29s with new fighter aircraft?

 

Wonder what they were thinking??

[Geoff R. 0]

Malaysia to phase out troublesome MiG-29 fighters

By Siva Govindasamy

 

Malaysia has announced plans to phase out its RSK MiG-29N fighters over the next few years, with the fleet having been plagued by problems since it bought the type in the early 1990s.

 

"I have decided that from next month, the aircraft will be phased out and we should find a way to sell them to certain companies or countries approved by the United Nations," Malaysia's new defence minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi told the official Bernama news agency.

 

The minister did not say what would replace the MiG-29s, which are operated in an interceptor role. The Royal Malaysian Air Force is scheduled to receive its last six of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKMs by year-end, and already operates eight Boeing F/A-18Ds and 13 BAE Systems Hawk 208s that are used in a light attack role.

 

Industry sources say Malaysia has encountered problems in obtaining spares for its 14 MiG-29s, and that maintenance has been an issue for a long while. A mid-life upgrade had been mooted as a possible solution to the problems, but sources say it would be cheaper over the long run to buy new fighters instead.

 

Kuala Lumpur already has a pending requirement for another 18 fighters. Observers believe that it could begin a competition in a few years and assess the Su-30, Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet and potentially Saab's Gripen. The air force could now ask the defence ministry to increase the number of fighters it buys through this tender to replace the MiG-29s.

 

One problem, however, is Malaysia's tight defence budget. Last October, the global economic crisis forced it to delay a plan to buy Eurocopter EC725s to replace its army's Sikorsky S-61 "Nuri" utility helicopters.

 

It has also postponed a plan to buy eight airborne early warning and control system aircraft until the 10th Malaysia Plan, covering 2011-15, or even the subsequent plan, spanning 2016-20. The country also has requirements for maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

 

Extracts from this weeks Jane's Defence Weekly article titled:

 

PROBLEMS DELAY FINAL BATCH OF MALAYSIAN SU-30MKMs

 

Malaysia has yet to take delivery of its final six Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters because of a disagreement over contractual terms.

 

The six aircraft are ready for delivery, local industry sources told Jane's, but Malaysia is refusing to accept them until Sukhoi fixes integration problems with the avionics on 12 Su-30MKMs that have already been delivered.

 

 

...........

 

Newly appointed Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid told the Malaysian media on 12 May that there were no plans to retire the MiG-29s, which have seen 15 years' service. However, air force sources corrected the minister, saying the government had already approved the timeline for MiGs' deactivation.

 

 

...........

 

In addition, Malaysia is expected to restart the tender to purchase 12 combat search-and-rescue helicopters. The tender was won last year by the Eurocopter EC725, only for the order to be cancelled amid allegations that the contract had been conducted irregularly. The government of newly appointed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is now expected to restart the tender process rather than simply to award the contract to Eurocopter.

 

...........

 

End

 

 

 

So the contract for the SU-30MKMs was signed in 2003 and six years on the TUDM seems to be nowhere near having 18 fully functioning aircraft.

 

Geoff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Mohd Suhaimi Fariz 2]

Get the Gripen! Get the Gripen! If RMAF buys the Super Hornet, can they get all the technology? I doubt it.

[KK Lee 5]

The reliability and engine durability of Mig-29 and Su-30 is well known. If life cycle cost analysis is a criteria in selection process, believe none of the accountants or engineers with right mind will recommend either Mig-29 or Su-30.

 

[iwan 3]

but with the difference of prices between us and russian plans..it would better suit our budget to go russian..rather then tie ourselves down with all the 'term and conditions' set out by the americans..this is the first time that ive heard about the integration problem of the MkMs..what problem is that exactly?the MkMs are on schedule if im not mistaken..we are to receive the full batch by then end of this year supposedly..

 

The MiGs are obsolete but wouldnt our airforce be 'crippled' with so few aircrafts left after phasing out the MiGs?

[KK Lee 5]

but with the difference of prices between us and russian plans..it would better suit our budget to go russian..rather then tie ourselves down with all the 'term and conditions' set out by the americans..this is the first time that ive heard about the integration problem of the MkMs..what problem is that exactly?the MkMs are on schedule if im not mistaken..we are to receive the full batch by then end of this year supposedly..

 

The MiGs are obsolete but wouldnt our airforce be 'crippled' with so few aircrafts left after phasing out the MiGs?

 

 

US airplane may be 2 to 3 times more expensive to buy than Russian but US engine last 3 to 5 times longer and has less downtime. If whole life cost is consider, US airplane is more cost effective and cheaper.

 

RMAF F-18 is programmed for defensive role i.e. not capable to deliver nuclear or PGM.

In the event of conflict with common enemy, US will supply PGM software and hardware to RMAF. Don’t see why Malaysia need nuclear or PGM capability at this time?

 

It takes years and millions to develop and integrate aircraft sub-systems. RMAF SU-30 is unique and first of its kinds, problems is expected. It won’t be a surprise, the sub-systems will never fully integrated.

 

 

[iwan 3]

US airplane may be 2 to 3 times more expensive to buy than Russian but US engine last 3 to 5 times longer and has less downtime. If whole life cost is consider, US airplane is more cost effective and cheaper.

 

RMAF F-18 is programmed for defensive role i.e. not capable to deliver nuclear or PGM.

In the event of conflict with common enemy, US will supply PGM software and hardware to RMAF. Don’t see why Malaysia need nuclear or PGM capability at this time?

 

It takes years and millions to develop and integrate aircraft sub-systems. RMAF SU-30 is unique and first of its kinds, problems is expected. It won’t be a surprise, the sub-systems will never fully integrated.

 

 

how about those BVR missiles like the AIM-120?it would only be provided in the event of conflict right?isnt that a shaky term to hold on to considering our position with the US compared to our neighbors..and the word 'common enemy' can be very subjective imo..about the integration thing,indias MkIs are of the same breed right?russian hardware,western software?

 

btw,i came across a post in defense forum where someone mentioned that the MiGs will be phased out as soon as next month..with the 12 MkMs yet to be fully operational,what will we have left?

[Denny Yen 0]

Forget about whatever role or missiles you those RMAF F/A-18D should play...in the first place, what was MINDEF thinking when they agreed to buy F-18s with knowledge from the onset that the Americans will not provide the arming codes for the missiles.

 

 

[Ignatius 4]

Forget about whatever role or missiles you those RMAF F/A-18D should play...in the first place, what was MINDEF thinking when they agreed to buy F-18s with knowledge from the onset that the Americans will not provide the arming codes for the missiles.

 

The problem with any govt bodies is that they have this mentality."Being the first this being the first that... and in this case " whoa.. if we buy F18, we're the first asian country to be operating F18.. even 8 is enough.. " SHOW off but didnt read term and conditions well enough to understand that we are being stupidly tricked by the deal.. So if we get the super F18.. its like hitting your head on the wall at the same spot twice.. <_>

Edited June 4, 2009 by Ignatius

[iwan 3]

its a pity considering how good those F-18Ds are..and i really hope the problem with the integration and us not wanting to take delivery of the final 6 planes wont strain any relationship between us and russia..

[kelvin L 1]

Did not know that we have toothless jet fighter defending the county, no arming code....

[Waiping 12]

Did not know that we have toothless jet fighter defending the county, no arming code....

 

Ya. That's why we have national service.

[KK Lee 5]

Did not know that we have toothless jet fighter defending the county, no arming code....

 

RMAF A/F-18D can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AGM-84 Harpoon.

 

Believe Thai F-16, RSAF F-16 and F-15 and RMAF A-4 are also not nuclear capable and no one is complaining. Why peace loving Malaysian wanted nuclear capability? To arm with Pakistani bomb?

 

 

[Mohd Suhaimi Fariz 2]

RMAF A/F-18D can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AGM-84 Harpoon.

 

Believe Thai F-16, RSAF F-16 and F-15 and RMAF A-4 are also not nuclear capable and no one is complaining. Why peace loving Malaysian wanted nuclear capability? To arm with Pakistani bomb?

 

 

Malaysia is in ZOFPAN (Zone of Freedom, Peace and Neutrality) right? And one of the tenets of ZOFPAN is a nuclear free zone in SEA, so I doubt we'll ever need nuclear capability...

[Waiping 12]

RMAF A/F-18D can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AGM-84 Harpoon.

 

Believe Thai F-16, RSAF F-16 and F-15 and RMAF A-4 are also not nuclear capable and no one is complaining. Why peace loving Malaysian wanted nuclear capability? To arm with Pakistani bomb?

 

 

Preemptive strike.

[BC Tam 2]

Preemptive strike.

Goodness sake no !

With the limited resources our armed forces are in possession of, or likely to be able to afford anytime soon, we're likely to be clobbered to pulp consequent to the preemptive bit

[Cheng Long 0]

RMAF A/F-18D can be armed with AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AGM-84 Harpoon.

 

Believe Thai F-16, RSAF F-16 and F-15 and RMAF A-4 are also not nuclear capable and no one is complaining. Why peace loving Malaysian wanted nuclear capability? To arm with Pakistani bomb?

 

 

With no arming codes, can they still fire those missiles?

 

Anyway, the most lethal weapon is actually the people behind it. Talented commander and highly trained soldiers (this case pilots) will often win the battle despite a better equipped enemy.

[iwan 3]

here are some news i found a few months back..kinda interesting both for the RMAF and the whole Su-35 program..

 

Russian Su-35 fighter jet prototype destroyed during testing

10:2027/04/2009

KHABAROVSK, April 27 (RIA Novosti) - A prototype of the advanced Su-35 Flanker multi-role fighter plane burst into flames during take-off procedures at a testing ground in Russia's Far East, a spokesman for the Komsomolsk-on-Amur aircraft plant said on Monday.

 

"The accident occurred at 09.55 Moscow time [05.55 GMT] on Sunday at the Dzemgi airfield during the Su-35 prototype's take-off," Vitaly Tyulkin said, adding that the pilot ejected safely.

 

"We will announce the details of the accident later in the day," he said.

 

Sources earlier said the accident could have been caused by a faulty fuel pump.

 

The aircraft was one of the three prototypes to test the new fighter, which has been billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology."

 

The Sukhoi aircraft maker said in March that successful flight tests involving two prototypes had confirmed the earlier-announced timeframe for deliveries of the aircraft to Russian and foreign customers in 2011.

 

The company had planned to add a third prototype to the testing program in the second half of 2009, and to boost the current number of test flights to 150-160.

 

Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

 

The aircraft also features the new Irbis-E radar with a phased antenna array, which allows the pilot to detect and track up to 30 air targets, while simultaneously engaging up to eight targets.

 

It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds, and can carry up to eight metric tons of combat payload on 12 external mounts.

 

Sukhoi plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries including India, Malaysia and Algeria.

[flee 5]

Its all about money isn't it?

 

Russian spare parts have always been scarce - I dare say all the customers of Russian made military equipment have experienced the lack of spare parts. That is why countries like India set up their own manufacturing capability. But it is not economic to do the same in Malaysia because we have so few aircraft. It is not economically viable. Historically we get better after sales service from the British and American defence contractors.

 

We are a third world country - so don't expect the US/UK to give us their top of the range weaponry and avionics! If the people of Malaysia don't trust the BN govt. how can we expect foreigners to trust them?

 

 

[Muhammad Khairul Azwan 0]

Get the Gripen! Get the Gripen! If RMAF buys the Super Hornet, can they get all the technology? I doubt it.

 

if RMAF buy the Super Hornets, they need to return back the F/A-18D's to Uncle Sam

[KK Lee 5]

With no arming codes, can they still fire those missiles?

 

RMAF A/F-18D fired live weapons previously. Unlike movie, A/F-18D need not to enter random code every time. Weapon parameter is loaded pre-flight.

 

 

 

[Waiping 12]

RMAF A/F-18D fired live weapons previously. Unlike movie, A/F-18D need not to enter random code every time. Weapon parameter is loaded pre-flight.

 

 

Kinda reminds me of my Maybank2u TAC code.

[iwan 3]

RMAF A/F-18D fired live weapons previously. Unlike movie, A/F-18D need not to enter random code every time. Weapon parameter is loaded pre-flight.

 

 

im sure those F-18s can fire weapons but if im not mistaken,the types of weapons that can be fired are limited..i think ive seen a picture of the hornets firing weapons..not sure when or what missile thou..trying to search the net for that particular picture..

 

on a side note,i still think the MiGs could serve for another 4-5 years..at least have them until the MkMs are fully operational..the MiGs are still decent planes and would do a good job of intercepting enemy aircrafts..it really saddens me this news of the MiG-29s being phased out..