SHAH ALAM: Old Fulcrums for new Fulcrums?. Russia wants to buy RMAF 16 stored MiG-29s for two squadrons of the latest generation Mig-35, says the New Straits Times. In a report dateline Moscow, the newspaper said this was the offer made to Malaysia by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
NST quoted Victor Kladov, Rostec State Corporation’s international cooperation and regional policy director, as saying that:
Kladov said Putin was in favour of a complete buy-back of the 18 grounded Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) MiG-29N for two squadrons of new-generation stealth MiG-35 fighters.
He said he told Dr Mahathir that the MiG-35 fighters did away with smoky engines and were equipped with advanced and powerful fly-by-wire avionics, artificial intelligence, computers and weapons systems that minimised the pilot’s workload.
“Similarly, we are also looking at replacing the RMAF’s fleet of Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters, which are half a century old. The newer generation Mi-171 helicopters… have been proven workhorses for the United Nations during the Afghanistan conflict.
“Also on the cards is Russia’s offer of Yak 130 light combat jets, on flexible terms, offset and transfer-of-technology deals that will offer a win-win situation for both nations.”
Rostec’s subsidiary, Russian Helicopters, is expected to sell eight units of Ansat, Mil Mi-8/17 and Kamov Ka-32A11DC to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Fire and Rescue Department.
To read the full report go here.
Malaysia bought 18 Mig-29 Fulcrums and 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers during Tun Mahathir Mohammad first stint as Prime Minister.
The Mig-35 according to Russia Today is an updated version of the iconic MiG-29, specifically its naval version designed for aircraft carriers. While similar in look, the new plane is said to have capabilities similar to 5th-generation fighter jets – while boasting a significantly lower cost.
–Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (66)
streamline the inventory please...say no to mig35....more su30 is welcome though
"Kladov said Putin was in favour of a complete buy-back of the 18 grounded Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) MiG-29N for two squadrons of new-generation stealth MiG-35 fighters"
Stealth?..... Kladov must be joking right?
"Rostec’s subsidiary, Russian Helicopters, is expected to sell eight units of Ansat, Mil Mi-8/17 and Kamov Ka-32A11DC to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and Fire and Rescue Department."
Is this for real? Or something lost in their translation?
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Kladov speaks good English and even a few words in BM. He was based in KL in the 90s. Until the contract is announced by our side ie MMEA or Home Ministry we must treat this as just another statement bu a Russian procurement agency
@duetofriction
He's probably pitching to MMP readers, their heads and other parts explode if you just mention "stealth" with anything. The article and comments would go like paling canggih, ganas, terhebat di seluru dunia, indon jeles, zionis takut, semua salah dap.
If the new government not favor western, it will be better for TUDM get it from Russia rather India/Paksitan/China.
If we go for MIG-35, then we go all the way for our MRCA until MKM retire, else get more MKM as MRCA plan.
Mi-171 more suitable for Army while Bomba should get another 2 to 4 while upgrade existing 4 with a better night vision and digital cockpit.
Can’t be true. If it’s too good to be true, it not. As if Putin is going to give us 2 squadrons of Mig 35 FOC. Nothing is free.
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It's not for free but as Tun M was the one instrumental in us getting the Fulcrums and Flankers previously, Putin see a very good chance that they will be three time lucky. Anyhow 36 Fulcrums will be much cheaper than the Typhoons or Rafales.
No mention of palm oil by putin?
I am for more MKM (to the latest Su-30SMD specs please), no to the MiG-35.
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NST did use the word trade off which means barter trade
Enough with Russian Mig and Sukhoi....... to big to fly, high cost to maintain and really hard to hide...
Local newspapers always get things mixed up, not only on defence related news but anything remotely technical
Still, more Mi-171 for bomba is a good thing actually. Other helos in bomba inventory (even the AW189) just didnt have enough power to do what Mi-171 could do.
Now there's the problem of CAATSA act, something that is even bothering philippines regarding their latest procurement of RPG-7V (both the launcher and munitions). That's just for something like an RPG. There's no way we could dodge the issue when we bought something much more significant
Also,
>really hard to hide…
What the hell is that even supposed to mean?