Malaysia asks for AIM-9X

A Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) F/A-18D M45-02 Hornet aircraft lands at RMAF base Butterworth, Malaysia, June 11, 2014, during Cope Taufan 2014. Note the bomb markings on the nose U.S. Air Force photo.

PETALING JAYA: Finally. After the deal to upgrade the Hornet finally came through earlier this year, it appears that RMAF is looking towards its ordnance.

US DSCA on Nov 8 announced that Malaysia has requested for 20 AIM-9X with associated equipment, parts and training in a deal worth US$52 million (around RM160 million). The notification does not mean the sale will go through. Hopefully they will follow through this request with those for the Amraams, Harpoons and PGMs including laser JDAMs.

From DSCA website:

WASHINGTON | The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified U.S. Congress Nov. 8 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Malaysia for 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up-Round Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $52 million.

The Government of Malaysia has requested a possible sale of 20 AIM-9X-2 SIDEWINDER Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 4 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, 2 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, 2 Dummy Air Training Missiles, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $52 million.

RMAF F/A-18D Hornet 08
RMAF F/A-18D Hornet 08

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in East Asia.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force is modernizing its fighter aircraft to better support its own air defense needs. The proposed sale of AIM-9X-2 missiles will enhance Malaysia’s interoperability with the U.S. and among other South East Asian nations, making it a more valuable partner in an increasingly important area of the world.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require travel of U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Malaysia on a temporary basis for program technical support and management oversight.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

–Malaysian Defence

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About Marhalim Abas 2333 Articles
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56 Comments

  1. The purchase of more capable and more accurate weapons should have been done even earlier.Generally upgrading the weapons and the weapon systems is the most effective way to get the most out of an existing aircraft. So equipping our fighters with the latest that it can handle will increase both its lethality and also its effectiveness.Thus the same platform can now be so much more a deterrent.We dont need to spend on new planes-just merely upgrading the weapon system and the weapons can already achieve the desired effects
    This means money well spent

    Reply
    Mass is also very important….

  2. Do we have JHMCS? IMHO, it would be a waste if we’re not acquiring the HMD altogether with the snakes. They’re meant for each other to maximize the true potential of the sidewinder. We’re better off with more Amraams or JDAMS.

    Reply
    Most probably not as it is jointly manufactured by Elbit, an Israeli company…

  3. Given that bilateral relations have improved and other Hornet upgrades have been approved, plus Boeing is pushing the SH, it is very unlikely that the deal will not get through Congress.

    Haredim,

    Of course we don;t have JHMCS. But as a helmet mounted sight is essential for off bore sight quieng and not having one will defeat the purpose of having 9X, it will be interesting to see what HMS the RMAF gets for its Hornets.

  4. How about the French HMS on Su30MKM? Wouldn’t it be suitable?

    Reply
    There are many HMS available on the market. Do we have the money to integrate it on eight Hornets? Of course if we did purchase Super Hornets it will be more economical to do so although technically the same system could be integrated into any other MRCA they decide to procure in the future

  5. I don’t like to be negative, but while we debate, ‘the powers that be’ sit on their hands. The RMAF, like the other branches of the military, are in dire need of ‘mass’ as Marhalim puts it. A handful of F-5s, a dozen or so Hawks, 8 legacy Hornets and 18 Su-30MKMs with questionable capabilities in some areas (maritime strike, for example), all outfitted with limited ordinance, targeting pods, sensors, etc., are quite simply an inadequate assortment of aircraft incapable of effectively defending Malaysia. Add to that a complete lack of C4ISR, AWACS and so on. And we have now stooped to the level of talking about legacy Vipers and 20 AIM-9Xs?!

    Our neighbor’s to the south are outfitted with squadrons of some of the finest aircraft in service today, all outfitted with the latest in sensors, targeting pods, data links, etc. Add to that an inventory received since 1990 that includes (according to SIPRI), at minimum: 600 Python 4 BVRAAMs, 70 AIM-70M Sparrow BVRAAMs, 250 AIM-120C AMRAAMs, 96 AIM-9L/M Sidewinder SRAAMs, 200 AIM-9X Sidewinder SRAAMs, 60 AGM-154 JSOW ASMs, 50 JDAMs and 84 Paveway. They would crush the RMAF in a matter of hours. What would the government and the opposition say then?!

    I don’t mean to so strongly criticize Malaysia, but it is pretty pathetic that a tiny island city-state with only 4 million citizens (plus 1 million expatriates) can so dominate a state of 28 million. I know it all boils down to economics, but even in that battle, it is still pretty pathetic. It is unfair to the men and women who wear the uniform that they are so inadequately equipped and prepared should conflict in the region ever arise.

    Lastly, let it be noted that we need to motivate the people. They are aloof to the importance of national defence. While I do believe that spending must be within reason, taken the complexity of financing for the needs of all areas of government, defence expenditures must rise considerably, if we are to be able to provide a credible defence in the face of our potential enemies.

    Reply
    Its difficult to motivate people in peace time especially when there is no need for one to be involved in it, plus with the leakages, its a hard sell.

  6. If anyone has read the morning news paper today(Monday, November 14, 2011),the PM had met with the Russian Premier in the sidelines of the APT meeting in Hawaii and the possibilities or more Sukhois has been branded around in the mutual talk.

  7. I am afraid “stooping” to describe acquiring refurbished Vipers is overstating it a little. They are, after all, not in the league of, say, refurbished MiG-21s (even the “bis” or Bisons)or even new F-7s. They are, I daresay, earlier blocks C/Ds.
    With the government,opposition and the people themselves (we seem to want a school and a hospital,etc,around every corner) not motivated to spend more on defence, the chance to obtain “mass” by buying less expensive yet still effective equipment is attractive to me.

  8. Good news for RMAF. Finally US government pay attention for RMAF request for one of the latest/advance SRAAM – AIM-9X-2 Block II. It will complement F/A-18 latest weapon / missiles AIM-120-C AMRAAM BVR. It will become one of the latest / advance weapon in South East Asia.

  9. Apart from the need to educate the population on the importance of national defence, I think the practice of corruption and kickbacks from defence purchases must be eradicated. It is bad enough that MAF receives less funding than SAF, it makes it even worse that 1m USD can buy more (identical) equipment for the SAF than MAF. The only thing left is then the political will to eradicate corruption? Would that be possible given that even the PM is accused of corruption? Setting of example must come from the top echelons of government…..

  10. Though mass is important, at this juncture who are we really fighting? No matter how rough things get, there is very little chance that we will be headbutting with the neighbour from the south. A sizeable number of our export goes to them, plus they dont need to use their superior firepower and numbers to conquer us, they just waived their SGD and things will be “obtained”….

    The only potential conflict i see is border south white elephant country and conflict with the nusantara cousin. Granted in 10-15 years as the nusantara cousin economy double, they can boast better weaponry than us and in larger number. At this juncture, until we have the monetary might to support the military might, i believe a deterrent strategy is sufficient. Though we may have only 20 Amraams and 20 Aim9X, we do have a size able number of R77 (according to sipri) so not that bad compared to the other example only have the flankers but no missiles

  11. Even if society at large is not so concerned and gawk at the costs of new equipment, those in the government and military shud be better at what they do.

    Remember simple things like the Scorpion tanks situation? They got excited and wanted a bigger gun. It was a joke.

    Today has anything changed? Our generals are like kids in Toys r us.

    Looks like the Indians/Russians are getting close to completing the configurations for the Super Sukhoi. Turning it into a almost 5th generation aircraft.

    A smart general here cud easily get us included in that deal. Work out spare parts ,maintainence and integration works in Malaysia.Increase the numbers. Sell of the Mig-29s. Have the basic 2 squadrons in service, one here Peninsular and another in the East .

    Wait till the Indians and UAE make thier decisions on thier aircraft buys. Study the costs involved and equipment. If India ,looks like a strong possibility of going for the Typhoons as the 5th partner in the project. See if we cud get a better price maybe buying from India in 2 or 3 years time .

    So many possibilities out there, I bet the regulars in here will come up with plenty more suggestions. But will the thick numskulls in defence get it right or will the datuks get thiers first.

  12. Student,

    ‘…it makes it even worse that 1m USD can buy more (identical) equipment for the SAF than MAF.’ Good point!

    Kamal,

    I don’t mean to imply that we face a real threat from ‘the neighbor to the south’. I am just making a point. I fully understand that the likely threats come from elsewhere, particularly China and potentially Indonesia.

    Dave Malaysia,

    ‘Our generals are like kids in Toys r us’. Fantastic analogy!

  13. With the F35 ever delayed timing, IMHO the earliest a full fledged squadron can be fielded in Asia will be circa 2020. In the meantime more and more airforce in the Asia Pacific region is contemplating the steroid pumped f15 and the super hornet as an interim measure.World economic uncertainties even forced a lot of airforce around the world to delayed or rethink their new acquisition.

    I as a person with no military backround, humbly opine that till 2018 or 2020 we stick to 8 upgraded hornets, 18 full fledge/running SU 30 mkm and 13 refurbished hawks 200 (armed them also with Aim 9 X if possible). Future acquisition should concentrate more on heli assets, more c41 assets, better weapons system for the fighting assets and MPA, All be it new or second hand

  14. Even the US are even buying 2nd hand jets;

    http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8225756&c=AME&s=TOP

    Why aren’t we? coz the Skyhawk-phobia or just wanna show off to our rich neighbor to the South that we can also buy new shining jets?

    2nd hand equipments are good as long as we invest in upgrades and maintenance. We will be better off with more 2nd hand F-18Ds from Canada, UK’s decommissioned Type 23 Frigates, Albion MRSS and Challenger 2, or the Dutch Leopard 2 tanks…

    Reply
    Its not just the Skyhawk, everyone is wary of being a dumping ground and the fact that second-hand arms are usually sold via governments not PLCs….

  15. Most of the ASEAN states are re-arming not primarily aimed at the existing if some what on-off regional disputes, but with an eye on China. Even Indonesia’s rearmament is it part driven by this and implicitly supported by both the Americans and Australians.

    What Marhalim alludes to is that numbers have a quality on its own, specifically in the area of platform availability. If you only have small number of platforms, the loss of 1 or 2 due to maintenance would have a significant operational impact.

  16. FareedLHS – ”I know it all boils down to economics, but even in that battle, it is still pretty pathetic. ”

    It all boils down to threat perceptions and history. Out of all the ASEAN countries Singapore is almost alone in never having faced a serious counter insurgency threat and is the most vulnerable.

    Wan – ”How about the French HMS on Su30MKM? Wouldn’t it be suitable?”

    Thales offered us MICA and TopOwl as an alternative to the R-77 and the SHURA HMS, integrations and the costs was the issue.

  17. Is there any truth that our def min will go to irkutsk and sign a breand new contract for 18 New SU 30 MKM? where will they dig the money?

    Reply
    The Russian paper says may sign. Its not a done deal yet…

  18. While the discussion got all excited to link AIM-9X with Super Hornets, MOD is currently at Moscow doing something “suspicious”.

  19. Hui, hahahahhahahhahaha you rite

    One last deal before election maybe? Well this deal will also involved DRDO Brahmos

  20. Remember the report in passing when Najib met the Russian president in the Apec meeting? The possibilitry of buying more SU’s were mentioned

  21. If they go through with the 18 SU 30 mkm, with our static defence budget, how can they afford to maintain 36 su, 8 hornets and 13 hawk 200? the hawks gotta give imho

    Reply
    No lah, I think its wrong to say that they will sign the deal in Russia. Especially with Lima just two weeks away. However, most of our readers prefer 36 Flankers rather than any other planes…

  22. http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=8255060&c=ASI&s=AIR

    “MiG has started talks with Malaysia to offer upgrades to extend the MiG 29 fleet’s life and adapt the jets to a multirole capability, he said.

    The Malaysian Air Force has more than a dozen MiG 29s, some 15 years old and close to the end of their service life of around 20 years. A modernization would be worth between $2 million to $12 million per plane, with possibilities for adding electronics warfare, radar warning, missile protection, extended fuel and in-flight refueling.”

  23. Despite my reservations for all things Russian, in the interests, primarily of commonality and cost, 16 additional Su-30MKMs would be acceptable. A line-up of 36 Su-30MKMs, 8 legacy Hornets, and the rest of the inventory either in reserve, retired, scrapped or sold, would likely get us to 2020. Perhaps then we could look at replacing the Hornets with a full squadron of advanced fighter aircraft (F-35s?). Or perhaps partner with Turkey in its efforts develop an ‘indigenous’ fighter aircraft.

    As for reality, I will not believe anything until I see the actual aircraft flying out of an RMAF base emblazoned with our own colors. Until then, it’s all just speculation

    Reply
    Logically more MKMs is the answer for RMAF. But logic does not come into play here, its illogical to envisage RMAF having five different type of jets within a span of 15 years

  24. for those who are sceptical about the importance of a nation’s defence,take philippines for example.Without any formidable force,they are being toyed around by the chinese in the spratly islands.In relation to the topic above,we need greater number for our airforce.No doubt bout dat.However,any future purchase have to be able to combat with the treat of tomorrow,not just the present.

  25. First, make sure the Indians/Russians complete the Super Sukhoi Configurations.

    Then ugrade the current 18 and buy another 18.
    2 squadrons west and east.

  26. Its not just the planes.Thats the easy part.But maintenance, weapons, upgrades etc etc must also fllow.A great fighter but insufficient weapons will not make the planes any better.For example,we are asking to buy only 20 new aim-9 x.20. So if all these 20 finds its mark, that means only 20 enemy planes can be hit. So if the enemy throws at us say 30 planes there will be 10 lobbing missiles at us.

  27. A russian news agency reported that our govt will likely to procure additional MKM. This might be another false report from the Russian but kinda interesting to read it.

    http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20111115/168701803.html

    Reply
    I text the Minister and his media director. The media director says no deal to be sign. BTW even if they did want to buy more MKMs don’t you think it can wait another two weeks ie during Lima?

  28. mustafa – ”for those who are sceptical about the importance of a nation’s defence,take philippines for example.Without any formidable force,they are being toyed around by the chinese in the spratly islands.”

    Not quite true…

    The Philippines is a non-NATO U.S. ally and is covered by a Mutual Defence Treaty. Though the Mutual Defence Treaty does no mention anything about defending the Philippines in the event of trouble arising over the Spratleys, it does ensure the defence of the Philippines against external threats. Recent statements made by the Obama Administration over the months also make it clear that U.S. support is guaranteed should actual bullets or missiles with ”Made In China” markings start flying in the direction of the Philippines.

    Syameer,

    Since 1999 there have been a number of reports about Malaysia supposedly buying follow on Fulcrums and Flankers – none have ever come true. I can’t understand why anyone would get a hard on over this latest report. Strangely, at the time of the fulcrum purchase no one in the local press ever got wind of the fact that our 18 Fulcrums were originally built for the Soviet Air Force and were never delivered……..

  29. BTW,
    RIAN quote the news from Izvestia, which is the same paper that made a joke report earlier saying Russian armed force bought 30mil badminton set because the sport can train soldier’s sniper eyesight.

  30. Re: the Philippines and regional security (mustaffa, Azlan)

    With US Marines now being based in northern Australia, the US commitment to the security and stability of its Southeast Asian allies has been furthered strengthened. Although not formally a non-NATO ally, like the Philippines, Malaysia can safely expect to ride the US’ coattails should a major conflict arise. Malaysia should be doing all that it can to more formally cement a defence agreement with the US. Why can’t US Marines be hosted in Sabah or Sarawak?

    Reply
    Domestic politics

  31. koxinga,

    What is so surprising that the TNI-AU has decided to get Sniper pods and PGMs? I would be surprised if they didn’t!

    Reply
    Yes the upgraded Vipers are multi-role birds so they need the pods and PGMs…

  32. Azlan, that was why we received the 29N/NUBs in a relatively short time. Whilst they were in storage, they were white-tails, not delivered to the RusAF due to budgetary constraints. Fortunately we avoided the fate of the Algerian 29SMTs!

  33. I would not mind if the def min signed a contract during his time in russia, but may be not for further su30. if he was signing for additional Mil 17 i heli or some more metis M/Kornet or some tunguska SAM should be ok at least to me hehehheh

  34. Chief of Air Force listed out the future procurement plan for RMAF, namely AEW&C, medium range air defense system, and six squadrons of MRCA. He also disclosed that six new SU-30MKMs will undergo software upgrade process by phases!

  35. FareedLHS, Tq, Toy’r’us .

    Dear Fareed, with marines /americans comes a certain lifestyle.

    Not suitable for Malaysia unless emergency.

    Azlan, Seems the Indons are spending huge sums on US planes, civil and military.

    Since the Indons are not shy people, very expressive of their wants, wud not be surprised if a few Falcons buzzed Sabah, sometime in the future.

  36. FareedLHS -Why can’t US Marines be hosted in Sabah or Sarawak?

    And what would be gained from such a move?
    Hosting U.S. troops here would be political suicide for BN, as it would provide Pakatan with political ammo, and would send the wrong message to China. Though Malaysia, like its neighbours, welcomes the continued U.S. military presence in the region as insurance in the event of future Chinese attempts at hegemony, our government has gone to great lengths to state that it does not see China as a threat but as a partner….. I would also argue that things have not reached a stage where we would need a U.S., or any other, foreign military presence in the country. As it is, half the population have no idea that there is a permanent ADF presence at Butterworth and that Australia and the U.S. are our main security partners. The decision to base the USMC in the north of Australia is more political and symbolic than anything, as the U.S. already has troops that are only a few hours flying time way in Guam and Okinawa.

  37. The indon 24 upgraded f16 should not be seen as threat, its not that with that 24 they can wage war yet..But when they actually bought 50 kfx and 50 su 27/30 by 2020 (very big if) then we should be sweating, assuming they do bought the weapons suite la. AFAIK the current SU27/30 are only armed with guns and dud bomb there are no mentioning of Amraam in the upgrade package for the 24 F16.

    With that said, i personally believe there is no need for any us military to be permanently based here. I agree with Azlan’s point.

    That is why i also do not believe that we should go ahead with additional multi role fighters jet especially when our defense budget is static and there are more important assets shoukd be acquired such as radars, transport heli, better personal arms for the ground troops, body armour etc. The 8 hornets, 18 SU30 and 13 Hawk 200 should be allocated with enough money for better weaponry/sensors upgrade, operation and maintenance. Chances of us going to war for anything is quite slim and even if we go to war, it will not just be us alone.

  38. Dave,

    Indonesian defence spending for most of the 1990’s was stagnant, and that was the case until recently. What they are doing is merely replacing old gear. They are not developing any power projection capabilities and like the MAF, the TNI remains underfunded and over stretched.

  39. The TNI is still more concerned with domestic instability than external threats at this point. I agree with Azlan, the TNI lacks power projection capabilities (as do we). Not that they couldn’t initiate an attack, but they would definitely not be able to sustain one.

    Re: hosting US Marines in Sabah or Sarawak

    Two points: First, I like to throw ideas and questions out there to spark discussion. It is good practice to always think outside the box when it comes to defence. For example, here are some other thought provoking qs: How would we respond to a brief Thai military incursion in pursuit of Pattani rebels? Would be able to repel a Chinese attempt to evict one of our Spratly Islands’ posts? Second, of course it would be out of the question to base a US Marine unit the size that Australia will likely host. 2500 US Marines would definitely cross everyone’s redlines. But, what about 100 on a rotating basis? How about 10 embedded observors/trainers? These are the things that the Ministry of Defence should be thinking about; How to strengthen our defence without compromising elsewhere.

  40. Azlan, I understand.

    But the Indons have already behaved aggressively with thier current inventory.

    Ambalat and sipadan for example.

    Now with new inventory, I am saying expect them to be more expressive as they always are.

    The attack on our embassy is a symptom of their way.
    Very easy to rouse , coordinate and attack.
    We make an easy target. Expect their politico to show of force for political mileage or just to claim what they believe we are stealing.

    Reply
    I believe the generals in TNI-AU are calmer when they are in uniform than those who retired to become politicians

  41. Remember what happened in the Sulu seas when the Indonesian ship rammed our navy ship? They are aggressive both in and out of uniform.Not only on this occassion but in several others.There was a time during a bilateral training when two officers nearly came to blows.

  42. Dave Malaysia,

    The Indons have behaved ”aggressively” at what they perceived to be ”aggressive” Malaysian moves in Ambalat. Losing East Timor, Sipadan and Ligatan over a short period has effected them and this is understandable.
    My concern is not so much a clash or a full scale war with Indonesia over Anbalat or some other issue, but how in the coming years a more assertive Indonesia, backed up by a bigger economy, will conduct itself. And how this will effect us politically and effect the current geo-political environment in the region. At present, and this is unlikely to change anytime soon, the TNI remains equipped and structured to deal with low intensity/counter insurgency type threats rather than ”big army” combined arms maneuver operations against and external force.

  43. The TNI might lacks power-projection capability, but remember, the internal politics of Indonesia is very unstable. If the leadership of Indonesia falls to the wrong hand, Malaysia might be in danger.

    Basically, the Anti Malaysia sentiments in Indonesia has worsen and deep down to the roots. Even in a large sport events such as the SEA GAMES, the Indonesians are still very rude. The provoke our athletes by swearing at them, blocking the traffic, threatening their safety, being rude when our national anthem is being sing, INSISTING our football players for doping test and etc. With the recent procurement of ex-US military assets to modernize their armed forces, the game might changed. To make thing worst, Indonesia are expected to procure the KFX which they jointly developed with the S.Koreans by 2020. They might be more provocative in future.

  44. Marhalim, TNI-AU: Find them to be disgusting . They were times reading the human rights reports, I just stopped. Impunity , do whatever they want.No one to stop them.Do that to your own people, what would u do in enemy country?

    I find such people do not understand the principle of just returns.Its a cursed life.
    The filipinos come in close .

    Thats why It makes me appreciate that in our country we have been truly blessed that when major events took place, the civilian gov ,police ran the show. The military did thier jobs and never got that itch.

    It worries me when our current generals talk about stuff and seeing joint patrols in damansara. I start to wonder if the powers to be have lost thier marbles.

    Azlan, I agree with u, but i think the main is that these indons respond to anger with violence very easily. As Ym Lee just reminded us.They need anger management classes.

    FareedLHS, thinking out of the box ,is goot.

    But we have the FPDA,the aussies are at butterworth managing the Integrated air defense system.So, technically if anything did happen hopefully our friends will respond first by rushing air assets to Malaysia.

    Beyond the FPDA , theres no need to include the americans on our soil unless its stopovers for USAF n USN. And of course joint trainings.

    The majority of this country I dont beleive will support any Goverment having Americans on our soil.

    As for the Thais, different from the Indons, they have better anger management classes.

    Some isolated incidents are possible,accusations being thrown and eventually played down are possible, but pursuing into malaysia is highly unlikely unless the situation in Pattani takes a 100 degree change from now. They have a lid on things in Pattani.

  45. I agree with Azlan on this. When you have been trampled on as much as the Indonesians, it is natural to be on edge. Besides, they have bigger problems in Papua than to seriously comtemplate picking a fight with any of their neighbors.

  46. In the spirit of cooperation between ASEAN countries,any disagreement should be resolve diplomatically.However,it should be a Gun Boat Diplomacy style.it means we are fully engage with a peacefull solution,but with full military back up and prowess if things go sour.

  47. The day all of us should start worrying is when the TNI not only gets a much bigger budget to buy new stuff but more importantly, when it decides to create a ”new ” professional armed forces – when it promotes officers based on merit, when it removes the patronage system that makes junior officers beholden to senior officers, when it totally has no say in politics, when it concentrates on doing its job rather than running a vast business empire and when a right wing President who has never served in the TNI gains power – that’s when we should start worrying …… Whether they buy 24 or 48 surplus F-16s, 6 SSKs or even more Yakhonts is irrelevant.

    Reply
    The nightmare scenario could emerged in a jiffy…

  48. mustaffa – ”In the spirit of cooperation between ASEAN countries,any disagreement should be resolve diplomatically.However,it should be a Gun Boat Diplomacy style.it means we are fully engage with a peaceful solution,but with full military back up and prowess if things go sour.”

    What ASEAN cooperation? ASEAN is almost as toothless as the Arab League and the OIC, good at holding meetings/summits and issuing meaningless joint declarations! Any future war between ASEAN members will be mean the end of ASEAN.

    Reply
    Not summits and meetings, golf!

  49. Dave Malaysia – ”As for the Thais, different from the Indons, they have better anger management classes. ”

    They have never been colonised and therefore don’t have a chip on their shoulder like the Indons, Malaysians and Vietnamese. They also have no serious bilateral disputes over territory with their neighbours.

  50. Since Australia is hosting US Marines, I think Malaysia should host PRC’s Navy base. Purpose is purely peaceful, Chinese navy is to help the US Marines help ASEAN countries in case of natural disasters.

    As a quid pro quo, Malaysia expect China to recognize Malaysia’s sovereignty over our part of the SCS. Also, we want 10 percent of the 3 trillion dollars of foreign reserves that China has invested in the US and elsewhere to be invested in Malaysia. Malaysia can tell China about those condos in Bangsar that are fetching 12% rental yield! Much better returns than US T-Bills.

    Where to base the Chinese navy? I think Langkawi is a nice place and suitable for a base. Easy access to the Indian ocean.

    Win-win situation for everyone.

    Reply
    LOL

  51. Dave Malaysia – ”Remember simple things like the Scorpion tanks situation? They got excited and wanted a bigger gun. It was a joke.”

    There is a reason why the Scorpion is armed with a 90mm Cockerill. The intention was to get a low cost fire support vehicle, that could fit in a C-130, under PERISTA to support infantry units. As there was no cash for a larger vehicle armed with a 105mm gun, fitting the Cockerill on the Scorpion and the Sibmas was the best they could come up with in 1981.
    The question now is whether fire support vehicles, armed with either a 90mm or a 105mm gun, have a place in the army’s future doctrine.

  52. Re: “new” professional armed forces – Azlan

    I remember reading a story years ago about a gunfight breaking out in Surabaya between the Indonesian navy and the police over control of the local prostitution rackets. Professionalism is not one of the TNI’s strengths.

  53. I’m not sure if everyone has access to Aviation Week, so here is a recent article of interest. With austerity measures hitting the US defence budget hard, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets will be in need of some upgrades.

    News

    Boeing Offers New Capabilities For F/A-18 Variants

    AWIN First Nov 22 , 2011
    David A. Fulghum davef@aviationweek.com
    ST. LOUIS, Mo.

    Boeing is offering a line of upgrades for international variants of its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and F-15C/Es that the U.S. military is likely to envy and may well adopt as defense budgets shrink.

    Even without budget cuts, the U.S. is facing a strike fighter shortage. But if deficit cutting takes a 25% slice out of defense spending, the Pentagon could lose its ability to transfer aircraft to some faraway battlefield in time to deter military adventurism in Asia, Africa or the Middle East. That lack of nearby assets already kept U.S. F-22 units on the East Coast from participating in the Libyan campaign.

    But stopgap measures could enable less stealthy, conventional aircraft such as the F-15, B-1, F/A-18E/F, F-16 and EA-18G to penetrate farther into a foe’s most lethal threat rings. To avoid making such a foray a suicide mission, those aircraft can combine reduced signatures, electronic attack, directed-energy weapons, cyberoperations and standoff missiles to increase their striking range and penetration capabilities without driving up risk.

    Among Boeing’s upgrade options for the Super Hornet is a stealthy weapons bay that can be attached to the aircraft’s exterior, says Mike Gibbons, Boeing’s F/A-18 and EA-18 programs vice president. Historically, any exterior payload — fuel tanks, weapons or sensors — damaged the stealth signature of an aircraft. This stealthy, 17.5-ft.-long weapons pod does not, he says.

    In fact, the uniquely shaped bay, hung under the aircraft between the engines, creates a trap that either deflects radar signals away from the enemy sensor or sends them bouncing around a series of treated surfaces on the nose, engine nacelles, belly and bay itself, according to stealth specialists. After as few as two bounces, the radar signals are rendered too weak to be useful.

    The weapon bay doors can open at speeds up to Mach 1.6, which, combined with high altitude, provides an increase in standoff range of 70-80% for some weapons. The low-drag, low-radar-cross-section weapons pod can carry four Amraam air-to-air missiles; six Small Diameter Bombs and two Amraams; or two 500-lb. bombs and two Amraams. Future options include a 2,000-lb. Blu-109 hard-target penetrator fitted with an extended-range wing kit as well as other weapons. Some of the weapons are attached to the weapon pod’s doors, but the layout ensures that no weapon is blocked by any other.

    The manually scanned radar dish on the initial Super Hornets created radar glints from the flat emitter face and movements of the radar. An active, electronically scanned array (AESA), long-range radar in the Block 2 Super Hornets eliminates both of those problems with an upward-slanting radar face and no moving parts, stealth specialists say.

    Conformal fuel tanks attached over the wing roots add 110 nm of combat radius, says Mark Gammon, program manager for the Super Hornet International Roadmap. Wind tunnel testing shows that at cruise and loiter speeds there is no performance penalty for the conformal tanks, and at Mach 0.6-0.75 there is actually improvement over baseline performance, he says.

    Yet another international option is General Electric’s enhanced-performance F414. A new compressor fan and core gives it 20% more thrust than the standard F404.

  54. Fareed LHs – ”Professionalism is not one of the TNI’s strengths.”

    And history plays a very big part in this. Unlike in Malaysia with the MAF, the TNI is seen as a national institution and from day one, has played a major role in national politics. Unlike in Malaysia where traditionally many joined the MAF because of a lack of better opportunities, joining the TNI comes which a sense of immense pride and is the 1st choice for many. The TNI’s vast business network has enabled it to literally feed itself and fund its day to day operations, due to limited funding from Jakarta. The system of patronage I was referring to is the practice of senior officers literally handing out cash to subordinates on a regular basis to meet day to day expenses. Though the TNI remains very influential, its involvement in politics has lessened over the years.

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