World Affairs Board - View Single Post - Malaysia mulls military aircraft purchases

xrough · 06-01-2007, 02:10 AM

Malaysia mulls military aircraft purchases

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's military strength is comparable to its neighbors but could be improved with the purchase of helicopters and airborne surveillance planes, the nation's air force chief said Thursday.

State media quoted General Azizan Ariffin as saying the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) was considering the purchase of combat, search and rescue helicopters as well as Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft for surveillance.

Malaysia has initiated a major arms build-up in stages over the past few years, announcing deals for French submarines, British and Russian missile systems and Polish tanks among other equipment.

"For the future, the RMAF is focusing on enhancing its combat assets and capabilities in line with current technology and requirements," Bernama news agency quoted Azizan as saying.

The air force would also take delivery of four Airbus A400M transport planes beginning in 2013 to boost the fleet used primarily on humanitarian and United Nations missions, he said.

Early in June, the air force is to receive its first batch of Russian-built Sukhoi SU-30MKM combat planes under a billion-dollar deal made in 2003. Russia agreed to send a Malaysian astronaut to the international space station in return for the purchase of 18 Sukhois.

"Presently, the level of national defense is on par with neighboring countries," Azizan said.

Malaysia has been working with Singapore and Indonesia to carry out coordinated air patrols of the strategic Malacca Straits. AFP

06-01-2007, 02:10 AM	#1 (permalink)
xrough *Senior Contributor* Join Date: 01-08-07 Location: Manila Posts: 926 Country:	Malaysia mulls military aircraft purchases Malaysia mulls military aircraft purchases KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia's military strength is comparable to its neighbors but could be improved with the purchase of helicopters and airborne surveillance planes, the nation's air force chief said Thursday. State media quoted General Azizan Ariffin as saying the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) was considering the purchase of combat, search and rescue helicopters as well as Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft for surveillance. Malaysia has initiated a major arms build-up in stages over the past few years, announcing deals for French submarines, British and Russian missile systems and Polish tanks among other equipment. "For the future, the RMAF is focusing on enhancing its combat assets and capabilities in line with current technology and requirements," Bernama news agency quoted Azizan as saying. The air force would also take delivery of four Airbus A400M transport planes beginning in 2013 to boost the fleet used primarily on humanitarian and United Nations missions, he said. Early in June, the air force is to receive its first batch of Russian-built Sukhoi SU-30MKM combat planes under a billion-dollar deal made in 2003. Russia agreed to send a Malaysian astronaut to the international space station in return for the purchase of 18 Sukhois. "Presently, the level of national defense is on par with neighboring countries," Azizan said. Malaysia has been working with Singapore and Indonesia to carry out coordinated air patrols of the strategic Malacca Straits. AFP __________________