ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE
Swedish fighter set to join battle with Boeing Super Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM for advanced fighter prize
Malaysia is planning to evaluate the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen as a candidate for its fighter requirement. The country is meanwhile studying options for the acquisition of an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) capability.
Malaysia's fighter competition had been shaping up as a two-way battle between the twin-engined Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM. But Malaysian industry sources say the single-engined Gripen will also be evaluated. Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad visited BAE Systems' Warton factory during his five-day trip to the UK in late February, say the sources. The UK manufacturer declines to comment.
The Gripen is gaining momentum in the export market following successes in the Czech Republic, Hungary and South Africa.
Mahathir last week made an official visit to Russia, where he was expected to discuss potential industrial co-operation with Su-30MKM manufacturer Komosomolsk-na-Amur Aircraft Production.
Boeing is also stepping up its campaign to secure Malaysia as the launch export customer for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, although Kuwait has emerged as potentially the first buyer.
The Malaysian air force is expected to acquire an initial 16 aircraft and take options on eight, but industry sources suggest a decision is unlikely to be taken soon due to budget constraints.
The air force operates eight two-seat F-18Ds Hornets and could return these to the US Navy in part-exchange for Super Hornets. It also has 18 RSK MiG-29s.
Air force commander Suleiman Mahmud meanwhile has been reported by local media as saying AEW&C aircraft will be bought as part of the fighter purchase
According to the local reports, Mahmud has said: "The proposed purchase of [AEW&C] aircraft is a necessity to enhance the capacity and credibility of the air force." He did not specify which options were under evaluation, or when they would be purchased.
Source: Flight International
