SHAH ALAM: Like the old soldier. Russian state owned news agency reported from Moscow on July 19 that Malaysia had signed an agreement to modernise RMAF Mig-29N Fulcrum fleet.
The report
Russia, Malaysia Sign Agreement on Modernization of Malaysian MiG-29
Russia and Malaysia have signed an agreement on the renovation and modernization of the Russia-produced MiG-29 fighter aircraft that form parts of the Royal Malaysian Air Force, a Sputnik correspondent reported from the MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon on Wednesday.ZHUKOVSKIY (Moscow Region) (Sputnik) — The document was signed by Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) MiG Director General Ilya Tarasenko and Malaysian Air Force representative Mohamed Fadzar bin Sufad on the margins of the MAKS.
“The agreement confirms the extension of our contractual obligations for the Malaysian Air Forces on the operation of MiG-29 fighter jets. The RAC MiG will continue its cooperation with the Malaysian Air Forces and will provide technical support for these aircraft,” Tarasenko said.
The MiG-29 supply contract was signed in Kuala Lumpur on June 7, 1994. The total contract value of 18 Russia-supplied aircraft was estimated at $560 billion. The MiG Corporation assumed the obligation to make the necessary adjustments and adapt the aircraft to Malaysian humid tropical climate. Malaysian MiG aircraft have come to be known as MiG-29N and MJG-29NUB, and formed Squadron 17 and Squadron 19 of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Another report in turn says the deal will ensure that the Fulcrums will continue in service until 2020.
Russia have signed a contract with Malaysia to continue support services to the Russian supplied MiG-29 combat aircraft fleet operated by Royal Malaysian Air Force, during the MAKS 2017 Air show in Moscow.
The contract signed between RMAF and Russian MiG Corp ensures Russian support to operate the MiG-29N fleet until April 2020.
So what really happened on Wednesday in Moscow? I was not in Russia but most likely that the contract signed was between RAC MIG and ATSC Sdn Bhd, the Malaysian company set-up to maintain and support the Fulcrums.
So will the Fulcrums be modernised, remain in service until 2020 or simply fade away?. To quote X-Files: The Truth is out there.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (19)
There is article in defense news recently that reveal the detail about india rafale purchase.it seem without modification like the indian the rafale would costs around 200m usd a piece together with training,weapon,,spare parts and facilities.the article maybe wrong of course but it is the most detailed i seen in recent years.so if we buy 18 of these it will costs us around 3.6b. a number that we have never seen before.
Malaysian Air Force representative Mohamed Fadzar bin Sufad??
I think they meant ATSC CEO Mohd Fadzar Suhada. So its just an MOU with ATSC, not TUDM itself. So this news actually means nothing.
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Yes I think its also the ATSC CEO. My guess when they translated the story from Russian to English, the name got mix up. And the fact that the CEO business card says Lt. Col (rtd) will confuse them further.
At least that's something in the long and twisted MRCA saga.
I wonder what the 'renovations' are, whether upgraded to Indian or Myanmar level. Still good news I think.
Its a question of money. We dont have the budget for new MRCA yet, so the MIG will have to soldier on. I personally dont prefer an extensive upgrades but just basic overhaul of the engine and avionics, maybe refurbish the the radar and relife of the missiles which are about 20 years old (could be expired already). Just limit it to R73 missiles for air interception duty (base line already have a maximum reach around 30km while version 2 was stated to have about 40km) and put it in labuan to support the hawks.
Hopefully post 2020 when our budget deficit is lower than 3%, maybe we can replace it.
Equip those MiGs to SMT standard with Zhuk-ME, R-77 and newer RD-33MK and they can serve till 2025 at least is a better option and wait till 5th Gen planes are matured enough then get them. Better then to spend billions on 4.5 gen planes
Nothing said on contract value and govt is currently silent on any contract award regarding the Fulcrum. My take on this, wait for further development.
Acquisition of these fighters didn't occur overnight. We may have to wait 5,6 years for full delivery to take place and a couple more years to familiarize. Having those migs soldiered on until all the new fighters achieve full operationality is a good move imo. Beats having to lease fighters we have no experience with
Right now I think it's better if rmaf improve its air surveillance capability first, with acquisition of MPA and ISR as well as to proceed with hawk and herc upgrade
If the Goverment Signed The Moderized ed Of MiG-29N Should be Good To Extanded until 2025
Good Thing To Upgrade These MiG-29Ns ASAP. First Thing First Is the PESA of MiG-29N need to replaced by AESA and the Cockpit is need more HUD and Even the Helmet.
Off topic...
Did MY gov buy blackhawk? Couple of blackhawk did flypast at my hometown kluang. My friend (putd pilot) also upload 3 blackhawk line up at putd base
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Post the pictures here. PUTD hosts US helicopters all the time, this time around its for Keris Strike 2017. Anyhow just dont take my word for it, just asked your PUTD pilot friend whether those are ours or not!