Fulcrums to Retire Next Year

Marhalim Abas, May 26, 2014





KUANTAN: The plan to retire the remaining Mig-29N Fulcrums by end of next year, RMAF chief Tan Sri Rodzali Daud today. He said that was the plan “at the moment”.

Asked whether the service was interested in leasing new fighters as the Government might not have the funds for the Fulcrum Replacement Programme, Rodzali said the air force was looking at various options and leasing was an option.

He said leasing was one of the options offered by Sweden’s SAAB when it responded to the RFP of the programme. He told a Press conference on a Media Visit to the Kuantan iar air base that apart from Saab, another company had also offered leasing as an option in response to the RFP.

He said even if the Government decided to fund an outright buy, they may also need to lease the same fighters before the new aircraft are inducted into service.

“It will take at least three years for the new aircraft to be put into service so in the meantime, between the end of 2015 t0 2018, we may need to lease to cover the gap in our air defence.

Speaking to Malaysian Defence later, Rodzali confirmed that only the Gripen and Typhoon had been offered for both an outright buy and leasing. Asked about the Rafale, he said it was not offered for lease “as the French did not have any spare aircraft”. Sukhoi also did not offer any leasing deal. As for the Super Hornets he answered “It is difficult.


will be updated....
Malaysian Defense.com