Thales is negotiating offset contracts with Malaysian companies Sapura and Zetro Aerospace to support its integration of Western avionics with Malaysia's new fleet of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters, which were acquired last year.
Sapura, which specialises in communications and simulation, says it is seeking to help during the development of communications and optronics systems for the aircraft. Zetro, which maintains avionics for most Malaysian military aircraft, expects to expand into avionics integration under a technology transfer agreement with Thales.
Zetro also hopes to lead future avionics work on the Su-30 and secure a contract for maintenance services and potentially optronics equipment.
Malaysia last December awarded Thales a 550 million ringgit ($145 million) contract to install Western avionics on its Su-30s, with this including a 30% offset requirement. The French company says its first prototype will be completed within the next 18-24 months.
South Africa's Aviatronics has, meanwhile, received the first part of a $20 million contract to supply a multisensor warning system for the Su-30MKM. The electronic warfare self-protection system will for the first time provide Malaysian aircraft with a missile and laser warning capability.
The contract with Aviatronics is the last of eight government furnished equipment deals awarded by Malaysia to support its Su-30s. Other suppliers include Goodrich (lights), Rohde & Schwarz (communications equipment) and Sagem (inertial control systems).
Source: Flight International
