The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has completed a service life extension programme (SLEP) for its Sukhoi Su-30MKMs, which will see the Russian type serve for at least another decade.
The SLEP/Preventive Restoration Works effort involved 75 technicians from the RMAF and Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC), a government-owned company whose main role is to support the local Sukhoi fleet.
In addition to extending the life of the jets and supporting local industry, the RMAF says that undertaking SLEP work locally means the aircraft need not be sent overseas for a lengthy period.
The RMAF marked the SLEP effort during a visit by defence minister Mohamed Nordin to Gong Kedak air base, where the work took place.
In October 2021 the RMAF announced that it would collaborate with ATSC for the SLEP effort.
In 2023, The Free Malaysia Today news outlet published an interview with ATSC chief executive Fadzar Suhada, a former officer in the RMAF.
In the interview, he stated that the Su-30MKMs, which were delivered in 2007, could remain operational until 2035 given sufficient spare parts.
The report stated that a complete Su-30 overhaul would require $27 million, which ensures 1,500h or 10 years of operation.
FlightGlobal’s 2025 World Air Forces directory shows the RMAF operating 18 Su-30MKMs. Its other combat assets comprise eight Boeing F/A-18Ds and 12 BAE Systems Hawk 208s. In addition, Malaysia has orders for 18 Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s.
