Boeing has signed memoranda of understanding with three Malaysian companies as it eyes an opportunity to sell F/A-18E/F Super Hornets to the country.
"Boeing Defense, Space & Security and these Malaysian companies signed MoUs to explore opportunities that align with the Malaysian government's key economic focus areas to support the growth of Malaysian industry," said Joe Song, the US company's vice-president of Asia Pacific business development.
"We are committed to expanding our position in Malaysia," he said. "We have existing relationships, and we are confident that there are other opportunities for future co-operation and collaboration."
Two of the Malaysian companies are CTRM AC, which manufactures composite aerostructures and defence equipment, and SME Aerospace, which makes aircraft components. The third is Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia, a unit of the US-based aerospace design and support firm.
Malaysia has had a long-running requirement for 12-18 fighters to replace its RSK MiG-29s. Aside from the Super Hornet, other potential candidates include the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab Gripen.
Source: Flight International
