Malaysian Armed Forces Eyeing Cruise Missiles

KUALA LUMPUR: The title of this blog comes from the news story by Bernama below. Malaysian Defence has alluded to this possibility of MAF operating cruise missiles from its latest asset, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Super Flanker.

Although no missiles or platform was mentioned in the Bernama story, the fact remained that only the Flankers are currently capable of operating with cruise missiles.

The D Hornets of RMAF could also be armed with cruise missiles but the US would never entrust us with the source codes so that these capable fighter-bomber could be armed with the precision strike weapon.

Of course, the Batch 2 frigates to be built by BAE Systems could also be equipped with cruise missiles but it is unlikely the US will supply us with the Tomahawk nor the Europeans would allow us such technology.

So the Brahmos is the most likely cruise missiles for the Armed Forces as Malaysian Defence had predicted before.

Bernama.com
Malaysian National News Agency
Armed Forces Eyeing Cruise Missile
GeneralJuly 04, 2007 15:28 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, July 4 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) plans to acquire long-range cruise missiles, Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin said.However, he said, the purchase would take into account the government’s financial position and sensitivities of neighbouring countries.”ATM has both short and long-term planning to enhance its fire power through the acquisition of high-tech weapons,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today when replying to Datuk Dr Marcus Mojigoh (BN–Putatan) during question time.He said ATM would take delivery of rocket launchers, PT91 battle tanks, Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, Batch 2 frigates and Scorpene submarines.Zainal Abidin said the government was satisfied with ATM’s arsenal meant to defend the country.Responding to Datuk Zaid Ibrahim (BN–Kota Baharu), he said it was important to nurture knowledgeable human capital before the country could manufacture high-tech weapons.This, he said, was being done through the establishment of the National Defence University.– BERNAMA