SHAH ALAM: Game on FLIT-LCA tender out. The Defence Ministry today published the request for bids for the supply and delivery of 18 Fighter-Lead In Trainer and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) for RMAF. The international tender closes on September 22.
As usual not much details were made public apart from the tender notice on the Defence Ministry website.
The notice:
FOR SUPPLY, DELIVERY AND COMMISSIONING OF EIGHTEEN (18) UNITS OF FIGHTER LEAD IN TRAINER-LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT (FLIR-LCA) AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT TO THE ROYAL MALAYSIAN AIR FORCE (RMAF) AND THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA
As there is a typo on the notice (FLIR-LCA) it might be updated later to be fix.
Anyhow we know that the FLIT/LCA is to replace the currently grounded Aermacchi MB-339CM jet trainers and the in-service BAe System Hawk light jets – twin seat Mk108 and twin-seater Mk-208.
Malaysian Defence has on various occasions had reported on the FLIT/LCA saga already so I think I wont spend to much time on this. However for those wanting to read them please go here here and here
As for the favourite candidate as I had written previously the one to beat is still the Korean Aerospace KAI T-50/F-50 combo.
Anyhow, the ministry today also issued a RFB for the supply of one Aviation Forward Repair Team (AFRT) vehicle under the Army Mobility Phase III programme. Based on the specifications published it appears that they are looking for a 4X4 three-tonne truck. The truck will be used to support helicopters of the Army Air Wing out in the field.
There is a requirement for a suitable Aviation Forward Repair Team(AFRT) vehicle to carry out not least four (4) Aircraft Technicians, thenecessary tools and equipment for effective field deployment to carryout repairs in-situ up to first line servicing. The vehicle shall be able to provide support maintenance, inspections and crane operations in the field.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (37)
Lets keep our fingers crossed
Only18 not 36..???
Thats always been the plan, 18 in this RMK, another 18 in the next one
This will be the first phase, right? 2nd phase will be another 18 air frames, to fulfill 3 squadrons as plan CAP55. A dream for 3rd phase of another 16 air frames. Make up staggering number of: 1st squadron of FA-50. 18 air frames. 2nd squadron of FA50. 18 air frames. 3rd squadron of T50. 16 air frames. Max requirement of RMAF wish. Get this done and let\'s focus solely on this and complete it before 2030 before we proceed to AWACS or even MRCA 5th Gen. AWACS will be on 2030-2035. MRCA 5th Gen will be on 2035-2040. Just my 2 cents.
Azlan: What is your pick so far (as a standalone platform)? Korean, Chinese or Indian?
The way the tender termed it "FIGHTER LEAD IN TRAINER-LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT (FLIR-LCA)", does it mean the said planes must have a dual role purpose, rather than, say, a dedicated T-50 fleet for FLIT and F-50 fleet for LCA?
As for TDM, I ought to think this new requirement should have be part of the 3 tonner truck tender recently.
A dedicated fleet of FLIT and LCA squadrons. The other 3-tonner is a general services cargo truck this one is even equipped with a crane, so it need to be tender out separately
Should be 24 plane.
Kamal,
, Overall, Korean. If however the requirement was for a LIFT only; Italian. Going for a single type is great from a commonality/support perspective but leads to various issues.
Q - “This will be the first phase, right”
Yes and we’re unfortunately going to have to wait for several more years for the follow on 18. In the meantime the RMAF will have to juggle its resources; meeting its LCA and LIFT needs with just 18 airframes.
Bear in mind that the decision to focus on LCAs/LIFTs first is driven by financial considerations. In the unlikely event we are suddenly faced with a state threat; the LCAs might not be useful and we’ll regret not investing in MRCAs. Like everything in life it’s a gamble or compromise. Hoping the decisions we make are sound.
Hurjet is a good platform but don't rule out Saab Grippen E/F
It wont be as it is doubtful Saab will put in the E/F into the competition
I hope Boeing-SAAB T7 Red hawk will be chosen..
It wont be as the US has not put it in service. If we were buying it in 2025 then maybe
FA-50 is the best choice for me.
M346FA is good too.
Why can't US resurrect the F20 Tigershark and market it as low cost solution for the third world countries? Bruhh...
Who is going to pay for it, you?