SHAH ALAM: In an earlier post, Malaysian Defence talked about the cost of MPA with the RMAF and other users. RMAF own MPA costs RM395 million per aircraft as the two aircraft is RM789.6 million. The MPA is of course the Leonardo ATR 72 which is equipped for ASW.
Anyhow, on July 10, Israeli firm Elbit Systems announced it had secured a $114 million contract with an un-named Asia-Pacific nation to supply two long-range patrol aircraft (LRPA). The two aircraft will be based on the ATR 72-600 turboprop airliner with Elbit integrating the mission suite.
Elbit said it will integrate in each aircraft a mission suite that includes a Mission Management System, Electro-Optics, Radar, SIGINT, Communication and more.
I am guessing that the unnamed customer is the Philippines as the air force has issued a tender for LPRA several years back. I stand to be corrected of course. Although the tender called for the LRPA, it is an MPA by another name as it is supposed to be equipped with sonobuoy launchers.
What is interesting about the Elbit Systems announcement is that the LRPA is based on the ATR 72-600 turboprop airliner much like our own MPA (it is unclear which variant of the ATR will be for RMAF). The contract cost of US$114 million meant that the contract is RM532 million on the current exchange rate.
Which meant that each aircraft cost RM266 million. However, just like the other post, I caution against saying that it is cheaper than our own MPA as there too many variables. The Elbit release did not say whether the ATRs airliner to be converted to the LRPA are brand new aircraft. Furthermore, many details about our own MPA is still rahsia so it will be difficult to compare them, fairly.
And most importantly, we will never consider buying anything from an Israeli firm. So even if it is cheaper and better, it is off the table.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (14)
How about AsuW capability? Is that RMAF MPAs can launch anti-ship missiles?
How about AsuW capability? Is that RMAF MPAs can launch anti-ship missiles?
"we will never consider buying anything from an Israeli firm"
Naw I'm hoping this Elbit deal is for ours, as the customer is unannounced which could be sensitive to some. Yes we have some apprehension in the past but this is a new Govt which are much closer aligned to USA hegemoney. Israeli tech are really cutting edge stuff that often gets battlefield proven and they don't cost an arm for it.
The government would never buy anything openly from Israel for the simple reason that it would be political suicide. Buying Israeli made components via a 3rd party and having to hen rerouted and buying something as visible as avionics architecture are very different things.
“is a new Govt which are much closer aligned to USA”
Sa
What actual indications do we have that points to this? As it stands; after 8/9 months in office with this government there has not been any changes to foreign policy.
The issue of Israel is divisive; especially so in this country.3. No government or opposition would touch it with a barge pole. As it stands however if asked about the issue of Israel; most people would not speak or even be aware about UN Resolution 242 which calls for Israel to vacate all lands [the Golan, Jerusalem and the West Bank] it took in the 1967 war and the fact we might recognise Israel based on its pre but not post 1967 borders and but would just cry “Yahudi “ and “Zionist” for lack of anything else to say.
As a side note following the signing of the Oslo Accords the PLO [used to have an office in Ampang] was on record as saying that it was entirely up to us if we wanted to establish formal ties with the state of Israel.
"What actual indications do we have that points to this?"
Well it is well known who bankrolled them these decades after 1998. And the PM is Uncle Sam's blue eyed boy here, its common knowledge. Behind the scenes realignment is ongoing (as norm with any new Govt). Overtly the Govt is projecting the status quo but hidden geopolitics are changing. Did you know its now easier for Msian holders to visit Jerusalem ever than before?
After all, only those extremist would cry “Yahudi “ and “Zionist” et al, unlike this current madani Govt right?
Well it is well known who bankrolled them these decades after 1998“
My question was; since this government came to power has there been any indication that there’s a shift in long-standing foreign policy ....
“Did you know its now easier for Msian holders to visit Jerusalem ever than before”
I know people who went years ago and some who went quite recently. Will have to ask both to get a comparison.
Anyway so what? Since the 1970’s you can cross the Allenby Bridge and not get your passport stamped.
Getting back; there is no way this or any other government will source Israeli defence related products - political suicide.
“After all, only those extremist would”
Not “extremist” but ignorant souls. Ones who have no idea about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and why we refuse the recognise Israel based on its post 1967 borders.
Above all im pretty sure our AF still grateful now they will finally getting their long desired 'proper' MPA.Yeah sure ATR72 is not the best MPA out there and maybe not their first choice MPA but all thing considered its a good enough step up for our boys from KING AIR to CN235MSA to ATR72 MPA.Maybe in the future to support maritime surveillance get additional MALE UAVs to complement current scaneagles and incoming ANKA-S.And i dont understand what is the hype about israeli made equipments..Good yeah..but plenty other similiar or better options out there to choose from..Stop glorifying everything.
Firdaus - “And i dont understand what is the hype about israeli made equipments”
Then look it up.... Israeli gear is functional and a lot is used in actual combat ops. It also tends to be well designed and cheaper than Western equivalents.
Firdaus - “Stop glorifying everything”
Who is “glorying” anything.... You?
Firdaus - “Above all im pretty sure our AF still grateful”
Why should they be “grateful”? It’s the duty of care of the government to ensure the armed services have the means to carry out their responsibilities.
"political suicide."
As I said things have changed. It was political suicide to take down UMNO from the Govt. Now it has happened and we are still here. Even the matter of discussing sovereignty rights with another country is no longer taboo. Thanks to the huge change, those old sacred cows that you feared are becoming lesser issues with the voting society at large these days.