Singapore Airshow 2016

Sukhoi Su-30MKM M52-17 at the Singapore Airshow 2016

SHAH ALAM: Singapore Airshow 2016 was launched yesterday amid growing doubts over the aerospace industry as the world braced for an economic slowdown. The clouds hanging over the show did not persist even as the crowd favourite – the aerial displays – did their best to liven up the rather subdued Changi Exhibition Centre.

I might be accused of being nationalistic but the performance of the RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM was the most outstanding in displays which ranged from AH-64 Apache, F-15SG Strike Eagle, F-16s, the Rafale and the FA-50s. The latter are from the Black Eagles Display Team from the Republic of Korean Air Force.

Sukhoi Su-30MKM M52-17 at the Singapore Airshow 2016
Sukhoi Su-30MKM M52-17 at the Singapore Airshow 2016

It must be said that the MKM display at the show was what we had expected from the 11th Squadron – masterful and polished – since the jet first debuted at LIMA-series of exhibition in 2007. I know the pictures below do not justice to the display by the Sukhoi. If you crave for more just do a Google search.

Sukhoi Su=30MKM M52-17 at Singapore Airshow 2016
Sukhoi Su=30MKM M52-17 at Singapore Airshow 2016

Sukhoi Su-30MKM M52-17 inverted.
Sukhoi Su-30MKM M52-17 inverted.
The crew of M52-17. Kementerian Pertahanan.
The crew of M52-17. Kementerian Pertahanan.

Apart from the Sukhoi which is only taking part in the aerial display, RMAF is also represented in the static show by M54-02, the second Airbus A400M air-lifter.

RMAF Airbus A400M M52-02.
RMAF Airbus A400M M52-02.

Inside the exhibition centre, several Malaysian companies are taking part via the participation of MATRADE, the national promotion agency for trade. As expected Singapore Technologies was the biggest exhibitor at the show befitting its status as the island republic sole state=owned engineering and defence technology company.
From guns to UAVs, ST showcased what its possible with a little more grey power backed with plenty of money in the bank.
ST Kinetics Terrex with a RWS 30mm turret. The 1.5 variant shown here is painted the Australian Army camouflage. The Terrex 2.0 has been offered to the US Marines and the Australian Army.
ST Kinetics Terrex with its RWS 30mm turret. The 1.5 variant shown here is painted in the Australian Army camouflage. The Terrex 2.0 has been offered to the US Marines and the Australian Army.

Anyhow pounding the centre, I found out somethings involving Malaysian upgrade programmes which was surprising to say the least. Who knows how many stories on Malaysia would I got if I stayed more than one day in Singapore? Oh well.
Thales air defence solutions.
Thales air defence solutions.

Terma officials at the show confirmed that the navigation radars selected for the Lekiu-class frigates – KD Lekiu and KD Jebat – and MPCSS – KD Mahawangsa and KD Inderasakti – is the Terma Scanter 6000 series. For more on that story read here.

 Raptors from USAF are on static display
Raptors from USAF are on static display

Indonesian Navy displayed its IPTN/Airbus CN235-220 MPA.
Indonesian Navy displayed its IPTN/Airbus CN235-220 MPA.

At the CMC- Esterline booth, officials there remained hopeful that a contract to provide C-130 cockpit upgrades for the RMAF will be signed at the upcoming DSA 2016 show in Kuala Lumpur. The LOA for the Hercules upgrade with Airod Sdn Bhd was signed at DSA 2014. The project have yet to start however as negotiations are still being carried out.

RSAF Strike Eagle firing flares as part of its display routine.
RSAF Strike Eagle firing flares as part of its display routine.

RAAF C-27J Spartan was on static display.
RAAF C-27J Spartan was on static display.

An unmarked Beechcraft Super King Air fitted with the latest Rockwell Collins Pro-line cockpit.
An unmarked Beechcraft Super King Air fitted with the latest Rockwell Collins Pro-line cockpit.

The other update programmes will be posted soon, I promise.

— Malaysian Defence

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Shah Alam

9 Comments

  1. Will you still be at the show tomorrow, 18-2-2016

    Reply
    Unfortunately, no. I was only there on the 16th. a day trip.

  2. Ok thank you.
    Can I have your email address for future ref. Thanks.

    Reply
    Its there in the About page.

  3. I heard there is a premiere at the event of a new variant of the su-30mki/mkm/mka/sm called the su-30sme.

    Any major upgrades incorporated into this new variant like upgraded radars, new EW/jammers etc etc?

    Reply
    this is the export variant of the Russian AF Su-30SM, so it will feature Russian stuff like ew, radar, jammers. No idea whether all of these are new or not.

  4. One word for the Sukhoi display, mesmerizing!!! Anybody know the call sign of the pilot and wizzo? Again TUDM steals the show, when will ASEAN nation support each other, and send their display teams, to every nation airshow, just like the Europeans, let’s Singapore and Malaysia start the ball rolling, or is it my wet dream?

    Reply
    I only know the pilot’s it is Sting. Only Indonesia has a proper air display team, the Jupiter. I am not sure of the status as two of the aircraft crashed at LIMA 15. Singapore Air Force air display team, Black Knights, is an ad hoc formation. Smokey Bandits I believed has disbanded as there is not enough aircraft for them to fly.

  5. I believe Kris Sakti is a dedicated team as well. We’ll see if the Smokey Bandits are still active at the next Lima, if the MiG is still in service.

  6. What meant is, necessary a dedicated team, but a flying down static display unit, to represent the country, just like Malaysia and Singapore is doing, wouldn’t good to show some solidarity and camaraderie by the air forces, put aside the difference, and show the world that ASEAN is mature enough

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