X

BAE Systems remains bullish of fighter deal in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Despite the recent setback in India, its appears that BAE Systems remained bullish of its prospects to clinch the MRCA deal in Malaysia.

Yes they know the competition will probably be delayed until after the election but with the clincher for the deal said to be the Industrial partnership and the Transfer of Technology package (off-sets in 90s speak), BAE Systems is forging ahead with its marketing backed with its 30-year presence in Malaysia as the guiding light.

Typhoon and the moon

At a briefing held on Wednesday (march 14, 2012) newly arrived BAE Systems South East Asia managing director John Brosnan spoke at length on the potential partnerships. For more read here

Yes I know its a bit dry but actually there was nothing extra-ordinary about the presentation apart from the fact that BAE director of industrial partnerships and offset, military air and information Andrew Wilson statement that it had gotten clearance from the British government to offer Malaysia almost everything in terms of technology if it choose the Typhoon, from source codes to component manufacturing.

What is the use of source codes without the people who could actually do the needful? No worries, Andy said, BAE Systems also offers training to Malaysian engineers if we want it from modifying sources codes to integration of weapons. Apparently, the British is aware the pain we are having with Vympel!

Component manufacturing will also not be limited to the Malaysian order but for the whole Typhoon manufacturing base.

Which companies will benefit from such generous package? The usual suspects of course, which may tipped back the balance to the Typhoon again.

BTW, the India media is tripping all over themselves over the decision to down-select the Rafale over the Typhoon. Read here. And here. I guess thats the reason the renewed enthusiasm by BAE Systems.

As mentioned previously I am wary of off-sets and national interest over-riding military concerns but I guess that is why we have politicians in the first place!

– Malaysian Defence

If you like this post, buy me an espresso. Paypal Payment
Marhalim Abas: Shah Alam

View Comments (35)

  • what is the meaning of this phrase "the British is aware the pain we are having with Vympel!"? do our airforce got problem with vympel missile?

  • Isn't it too obvious when it comes to a country called Malaysia, whoever can give the benefits most to the politicians in charged(namely PM&MOD) is the one who'll get the contract even for a company "cop Ayam". It's not for the people but their pockets.

  • Well, no matter from which country the fighter that will win the MRCA program originated from, some people will still point out that it's all for the pocket of some people and not for the sake of the country and its people...... even if that person is doing so, he's still contributes a lot to the people and the country unlike the fully corrupted and pro-Israel opposition's leader and its allies that contribute nothing to the country..............

  • The British offer to give us anything we want sounds too good to be true doesn't it, especially given the fact that we probably can't afford more than 18. Then again they must be really desperate for a sale. Marhalim,during the Typhoon's deployment last year to Penang, were any RMAF pilots given a familiarisation flight?

    Reply
    Yes they did. They also went there the UK to conduct the evaluation

  • We should ask them to sell us the nakhoda ragams at cut price if we buy the typhoons.

    Reply
    No cam do. The Nakhoda Ragam is now marketed by Lurrsen (ownership most probably is with Brunei).

  • indonesia navy is really interested with the nakhoda ragam..there are on the way lobbying their gov to buy the ships.

  • if were to buy 18 of this typhoons,and quit the 10 migs,its just an additional 8 aircraft.not a leap in fire power i guess.marhalim,wud like to ask ur opinion on the adequate number of fighters shud we have?

  • Whatever fighter is procured, it should be in sufficient numbers (24-36) to replace not only the MiG-29s, but also the F-5s and Hawk 208s; And with options to purchase a second batch (12-18) to replace the F/A-18s in the future. IMO, our long-term goal should be to operate only 2 fighter types beyond 2020.

    It should be noted that in addition to the air forces of the Eurofighter partner states (Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) the Royal Saudi Air Force is also major operator of the Typhoon.

  • Got RM 10 billion for 18 fighters, i guess then no problem. Kinda agreed with fareed though

    Reply
    If the deal gets CTRM work for the next 10 years it will be a very incentive to go Typhoon, but I guess Boeing will also be dangling a similar deal.

  • BAE had sold out their last major manufacturing to SpiritAero. Nothing much to benefit CTRM, at least not in economical scale wise.

    Reply
    Its for Typhoon