SHAH ALAM: Gripen E for Malaysia. Back in October, the Defence Minister seemed to confirm that the MRCA selection was down to either the Typhoon or Rafale. However, due to the economic uncertainties, the decision for the MRCA was likely to be made by 2020.
At the same function, he also said the other candidates – the Super Hornet and Gripen (and also strangely, Sukhoi) were not being considered for the MRCA project. However since the green light for the MRCA is three years away (which include a general election which must be called by 2018), we can be sure that marketing for all of the fighters named will continue.
“By the year 2020 we have to make a decision on the [purchase of the] MRCAs. It’s an open secret that we are looking at either the [Dassault] Rafale, or the [BAE Systems’] Typhoon from the UK, but we don’t have to make the decision now. What we need to do is look at the affordability, and that depends on [the state of] our economy,” he said
Hishammuddin also explained in the same press conference why Typhoon and Rafale were the final candidates.
“There are other reasons why we did not look at the [latest] Sukhois, [Boeing F/A-18] Hornets and the Gripen, which is a Swedish plane, but the most important [factor] is that whatever we do, we must be able to explain to the public,” Hishammuddin said.
However, as funding for the programm remained hazy, the marketing for the MRCA will be a much smaller much like the stealth campaign ran during the 2005 to 2010 period. So whats this got to do with the Gripen E then? For more on Gripen E go here.
As you might be aware Saab had offered the C/D model together with the AEW package for the MRCA programme. They offered the C/D models as the E was not yet available. Now, with the MRCA programme pushed back to 2020, Saab’s offer now involved 18 of the E/F models. The new offer was made late last year to the Defence Ministry, industry sources told Malaysian Defence.
If selected, I am told, deliveries will take place after Sweden and Brazil, the two countries which had already signed the contract for the aircraft. During the launch of the E, it was reported that both countries will receive their first aircraft in 2019 so if we buy them it is possible for us to get our first by early 2021 (depending on various other circumstances of course).
As Saab is pursuing other opportunities, there is also the possibility that the delivery could be made beyond that. So why is Saab still pursuing the MRCA deal even though it is obvious that RMAF wants something else? Because, Saab thinks the Gripen is the most affordable for us – even in better times.
For example, Brazil is paying US$4.68 billion for 36 Gripen Es. The cost for 18 Es will be around US$2 billion, much cheaper than the other two engine alternatives. Furthermore, there is no need for RMAF to buy new weapons for these aircraft (just like Typhoon and Super Hornets) as the missiles, rockets and bombs in its inventory are already cleared and operational on the Gripen (it will be cleared for the E as well).
Acknowledging, the economic circumstances, the E offer does not include the AEW or even the MSA aircraft. Saab will likely offer them in a separate deal. In the meantime, Saab’s offer to lease C/D models to RMAF pending deliveries of the E, is still valid.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (32)
It is to be expected that Saab [with its local partner] will continue to market Gripen right down to the last minute. It would be surprised if it didn't; given the level of competition there is and tight budgets.
On paper the Gripen is cheaper to buy and operate; and when operating as part of an integrated network, there is little it can't do [especially in our context] that the more expensive Typhoon and Rafale can. Personally, I doubt the Gripen [despite its plus points] will get selected; for various reasons.
Something to consider [as all big ticket orders are heavily driven by politics] is our diplomatic and trade ties with France and Britain as compared to Sweden and the level of offsets and ToTs [to be paid by the Malaysian tax payer of course] BAE Systems and Dassault can offer compared to Saab.
Gripen E vs Typhoon T3?
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Yes
how long do our hornets have before its going to be retired? 10 years?
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It depends, if we stop maintenance completely by tomorrow, probably by the end of March. If we continue the maintenance work and periodically upgrade them probably past 2030.
Wise decision if it goes to the latest Gripen. Can even consider more than just a mere 18 planes too
In case of economy gets better,will the number of jets to be purchased still 18?
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The MRCA requirement is 18, whether there will be a follow-up buy is beyond me.
Historically, the only follow on orders we have ever made for fighters were F-5Es. Even then, it was as attrition replacements. Follow orders for F-5Es in the 1982/83 period were cancelled as were follow orders for Hornets in the 1998/99 period.
As it stands, the Gripen has next to no chance of being selected but Saab will still market it nonetheless. At one point - a few years ago - there was some interest and political backing but it's BAE Systems and Dassault that now enjoy that advantage. For the RMAF, focus will be on getting an initial 18; priority will then shift towards getting an AEW. Once it has its MRCAs it can make a strong case, to the pen pushers at the Treasury and Economic Planning Unit, that without an AEW it can't use the MRCAs to its maximum potential.
Off topic but 2 weeks ago photos were released of Turk Leo 2s knocked out by IS. What's interesting is that on one tank, the turret had blown off and on the other, the barrel of the main gun had separated from the vehicle. Probably the work of massive IEDs but then I could be mistaken. Granted, the Turk Leo 2s were not 2A6s but if anything it reinforces the point that no tank - despite how heavily protected - is invulnerable.
Thailand just received their EC 725. It has RWR, as do the French ones, and Singapore's when they get theirs a few years from now.
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As usual we opt for the fitted for but not paid yet
As there is no immediate major* conflict with any regional powers, be it China or other Asean countries, i do not foresee the MRCA will be given a priorityby the EPU now till 2020 earliest. Unfortunately the existing 18 SU30, 8F18D and 13 Hawk 200 (assuming the 10 MIG 29 already retired) may continue to serve past 2025. I personally feared that another selection process would only be done post 2020, with the potential platform that would be selected shall be a replacement to all the 3 current platforms by 2025 and beyond
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Personally, I think with our budget RMAF should only operate one fast jet type
Hopefully by the mid 2000's the RMAF will only be operating 1 fighter type. The fact that we have such a hodgepodge of fighter types now is wholly thanks to one man, who placed national interest before commonality and logic. Selection was based not on price or practicality but on how it would improve bilateral relations and benefit the local industry. It remains to be seen if the RMAF has any future interest in maintaining a high/low end mix. Personally I still see a need for single engine type which is more practical to use for the various secondary ops that don't require the likes of a Typhoon/Rafale/MKM/Hornet.
On the Gripen. Whether or not RTAF Gripens make an appearance this year at LIMA [in the past sponsored by Saab] is an indication of how Saab rates its chances of securing a future contract.