Thumbs up from the Defense Minister as a seal of approval for the Su 30 MKM
Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that the acquisition of Russian made Sukhoi Su 30MKM multi role combat air-crafts was “The right choice”. He said this at a media conference at the end of the visit to TUDM Gong Kedak and Sqdn No.11., were the 18 first-line of defense air superior fighters are based, at the border of Kelantan and Terengganu.
Dr. Zahid attended a briefing by top TUDM brass and was taken for a ‘joy ride’ on the Su 30 MKM to be personally demonstrated of the capabilities and operational readiness of the ATM’s air defense latest and most prized asset. The purpose built air base was completed in 2008, the same time the Su 30 MKMs were delivered in batches from Irkutz in Siberia.
The Su 30 MKM 'cobra' maneuvres, to 'allow' a chase aircraft fly pass and then have the advantage
The Su 30 MKM is unique but highly lethal war machine because it can do maneuvers such as sharp turns at high speed and the famous ‘cobra attack’ which many fighters in the same class and size are unable to do, as it had vector thrusters. The TUDM Su 30 MKMs are particularly unique because it has a blend of East and Western European avionics and weapon systems, first of its kind. It flies more tha twice the speed of sound and has an operational range (with air refueling) up to off the coast of East Sabah, despite being deployed from TUDM Gong Kedak.
In a special ‘media chat’ at TUDM Subang, Dr. Zahid said “We (MINDEF) have to look at the cost effectiveness. We are looking to upgrade and develop the defense industry (as per PM’s plan), which will be focused on offset programs, transfer of technology (from acquisitions of foreign vendors) and training. We can no longer regards ourselves as end users but playing active role in the defense industry. As for the ‘New Economic Model’ (NEM), I reckon we will plan into the next decade meaning after 2020, we would like to contribute to the economic growth (which previously regarded as end users)” answering to the question on the planning and role of MINDEF in Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Mohd. Najib Tun Razak’s NEM announced on 30 March 2010.
Su 30 MKM: Poetry in motion
“With the defense industry, we will be a profit centre instead of cost centre. We will contribute in terms of not only reducing foreign exchange but the growth of the economy”. According to Dr. Zahid, PM Dato’ Seri Najib would chair the Malaysian Defense Industrial Council (MDIC). As previous Defense Minister for two separate terms, PM Dato’ Seri Najib was instrumental in setting up the MDIC and actively refer and consult the members, which comprised of Science Adviser to the Prime Minister, Chief Secretaries of relevant ministries, service Chiefs, IGP, industry prime movers and players and GLCs, which include Malaysian Industrial Group for High Technology (MIGHT). As per nine years ago, PM Dato’ Seri Najib managed to foster a strong and tight Government-to-Industry collaboration and working relationship, for the betterment of the nation.
On the question of the increasing the service industry as part of NEM’s plan into making the economy double in size by 2020, Dr. Zahid responded ”Indeed. We are working with a few prime movers in the defense industry, in clusters namely automotive, ICT, transport, maritime and aerospace”. He also said as part of the human capital development program for ex-servicemen who are regarded as still ‘productive’ and able to contribute to the economy, PERHEBAT will enhance their training programs based their existing skills, experience and exposure. This program is designed for ATM personnel who will be retiring or terms of service ending and part of the program is to work with institutes of higher learning as early as 18 months before they leave and diplomas be awarded.
Defense Minister Dr Zahid giving 'thumbs up' for his first Su 30 MKM experience
Dr. Zahid reiterated the role of the ATM as part of Malaysia’s foreign policy and involvement in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions will not change, as per the previous 50 years. In 1960, then Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra send the Army to Congo as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force and ever since, ATM have been involved in several missions and operations, which include Bosnia, Somalia, Cambodia, Western Sahara, Lebanon and Timor Leste. Dr. Zahid also said that ATM would be involved in training and development of the Afganistan armed and security forces.
He also said that ATM would be actively involved in exercises with foreign armed forces within the region and friendly countries. Example he gave was the recently concluded tri-services exercise with Indonesian counterparts.
Earlier after taking the flight with the most senior Su 30 MKM pilot Lt. Col. Mohd. Nor “Giro” Aris, Dr. Zahid dismissed Oppositions’ wild accusations that the TUDM Gong Kedak and Sqdn No. 11 were not operational, which include the runaway was damaged due to shoddy work. It is obvious, that the counter productive politicians were wrong with ill intent and misleading. He also announced that MINDEF will propose to the Cabinet soon for an air terminal be built in TUDM Gong Kedak, to facilitate for bigger operations which include transport aircrafts. If approved, the project would be included in the 10th Malaysia Plan.
The visit to TUDM Gong Kedak was hosted by Air Force Chief Jen. Dato’ Seri Rodzali Daud TUDM. Also present in the visit is Chief Secretary to the Minister of Defense Dato’ Seri Abu Bakar Abdullah. The Officers of TUDM Gong Kedak surprised Dr. Zahid with the first year commemoration celebrations as Defense Minister which is today, by presenting a pulut kuning right after lunch at the officers’ mess TUDM Gong Kedak Wisma Perwira.
*Updated Sunday 11 April 2010 0800hrs
I saw Sukhoi 30M performed. It was awsome! From a distance of course. I believe it was a good choice.
If we were to buy “western fighters” we wont be “free” politically or otherwise. There may be sanctions if we are deemed not to behave appropriately. It is more so when CIFUT BABI running loose now. A neighbouring country was under military sanction and perhaps still is. What this means is that their aircraft wont get spares. With out spares support any aircraft is junk or dangerous to fly. Sanctions are any thing else are easily fabricated. Remember weapons of mass destructions in Iraq? There was no such weapon, but Iraq is left in ruins and hundred of thousands died and millions more are diplaced
Remember F5E engines. It is valuable for some. May be they once bought these aircrafts but now under sanction. So…..
I think Iran got some F5E’s that are badly need of serviceable engine..
There are of course many many other advantages. But for these simple reasons only it was safer to buy Sukhoi.
mohamed
Agreed on all counts.
The Govt should try to retain as much independence as possible from the grip of Western Military powers…..
Russian military technology is on par with the West if not better.
Thank you Joe.
“…Russian military technology is on par with the West if not better…” Perfectly true
mohamed
In the long run, i guess Pakistanis fighter jet is a better bet. You know what, those Sukhois cheap in buying the basic airframe, but the avionics and parts will cost dearly. Just like the MiGs, the Russian design each unit of plane differently so as no one part can be swap with other unit of Sukhoi 30MKM.
hmmm…
you may be right. the initial cost is cheap. the variance order of after sales. the services and maintenance cost is where the bulk of it. And it would not be a surprise if the Minister Zahid got something out of the deal.
Thanks.
We don’t think Pakistani Air Force use the Su 30 of any version or variant. Please get your facts correct.
Yes, the avionics and weapon system makes it different between variants and issues. TUDM Su 30 MKM has a blend between Russian and French mande avionics and weapon system, which make it very lethal.
I didn’t say that Pakistan using Sukhoi 30MKM, did I ?
What I meant was Pakistan (to make you aware) has developed their very own fighter jets. It’s “made in Pakistan” and made by Pakistanis, made by Muslims.
In the future, even the US wont use man on fighter jets, the doctrine is using UAVs. Since UAVs are unmanned, UAVs itself is a weapon not just a mean to carry weapons.
For you knowledge, avionics is not weapon system. To make it lethal, u need not only basic airframe + avionics, BUT, weapons (on top of the two mentioned) such as missiles, guns to be supplied differently etc.
Maybe your nickname “baby” was misleading.
Interesting to know about Pakistan making their own UAVs. Can you provide more details?
Look how you presented your arguments. First line “Pakistani fighter jets”. Second like “Those Sukhois cheap….”. Thirdline, you made referrence on the Sukhoi again.
Regardless, maybe your train of thoughts is as such.
If winning the argument is important to you, then it shall be.
Malaysia via SME went into UAV quite a while back. In fact, Eagle managed to the developed their own UAV, with the help of BAe Systems. It was first displayed during LIMA 01.
UCAV is the next stage of UAV. Eventually Malaysian systems developer such as Sapura Defense, Hei Tech Padu etc would be able to integrate a workable weapon system onboard an existing UAV platform.
Good to know. Thanks, Big Dog,
I know next to nothing about fighter aircrafts but agree on the Russian machines simply because we break from the traditional suppliers i.e US, which has been very much influenced by the “Jewish Lobby” in the US and the Zionist Israelis in the international arena.
The Zionists succeeded in getting the US and associates bomb Iraq and carried out years of war there on the pretext of hitting at Weapons of Mass Destruction and no WMD has been found until now.
Not that Israel is much in the calculations in our strategic military planning but the Zionists Israelis are represented in Singapore. The chauvinistic Lee Kuan Yew and his dynasty have got Israeli military advisers teaching the Singaporean stuffs. The Israelis won during the 6-Day Arab-Israeli War in 1967 and LKY was overawed by their skills.
Military aircrafts are fitted with so much computer stuffs such that the US can easily strangle a country’s defences by the computer softwares they supply, delay supply or refuse to supply in times of tensions. The US has good relations with Singapore re safe passage in the Straits of Malacca as well as refuelling and crew rest facilities on that island state. There’s no telling where those relations would lead to if we have only US aircrafts if and when tensions develop in this region.
Tensions do develop from time to time and place to place and wars did occur here and there since World War II – Korea, Vietnam, the Falkland Islands, Iraq, plus the undeclared wars like in Georgia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Africa.
Russian planes have superiority over US planes like one of the MIG models or other during the Korean and the Vietnam wars. It’s only a matter of how skilled our pilots are.
Hope our Air Force uses the aircrafts strictly for military training only, not for sport, like one Air Force Chief and one other did when competing on how low the wings got to touching the ground – as the Chief told the press in an interview just before retirement many, many years ago.
Jet fighter is not my cup of tea but what is important to the rakyat is that the man (pilot) get to unanimously agree on the model and not the politicians and the Treasury officials who know next to nothing about flying. I have many friends in the Armed Forces previously who claimed that many of the ‘hard wares’ purchased in the past were the choices of the politicians and Treasury officials who had vested interests in the deals! I have no way to verify this but those retired Armed Forces and Treasury officials maybe able to do so!
su30 mkm is the right choice for our country