SHAH ALAM: Selamat Jalan Fulcrum, Finally? Even though RMAF has not officially said that its MIG-29 Fulcrum have been retired, we have not seen them flying since late 2016. And despite an attempt to put them back into service, it appears that the end is finally here. During the last two years, Malaysian Defence has posted at least four articles on the Fulcrum, here, here, here and here.
An MB-339CM and a MIG-29N Fulcrum demonstrates the interception at the NCO demonstration ceremony at Kuantan airbase in May, 2016.
It is interesting to note that even with RMAF reluctance in prolonging the service lives of the Fulcrums, there was an attempt in the background to get the funds for just that purpose. It was so advanced, I was told that it was included in the Defence Ministry plans prior to the general elections. The plan involved the cooperation of an Eastern European which has the expertise in upgrading Fulcrums.
No 17 Skuadron Fulcrums – M40-10- and M40-16 – taking part in the rehearsal on Feb 25, 2016.
Indeed I was told that it could have been funded if the previous government remained in power. It must be noted that even though Tun Mahathir Mohamad has on record supported the idea of not retiring the Fulcrums prior to the May 9 general elections he did not get involved when the matter was discussed by the current leadership at Jalan Padang Tembak.
A four ship of MiG-29 aircraft from the Royal Malaysian Air Force(RMAF) aerobatic display team the “Smokey Bandits” perform during the 2012 Singapore Airshow on Feb. 15, 2012. The RMAF feature the worlds only female MiG-29 pilot, Maj. Patricia Yap Syau Yin. USAF picture
I was told the current leadership had deferred to the RMAF when the discussions on the issue came about. So it appears that the plan to revive the Fulcrums is now dead.
Two Fulcrums taking off for the flypast during RMAF anniversary parade in June 1, 2016. One of the last time Malaysian Defence saw the Fulcrums flying.
On whether the plan to sell the Fulcrums to India remains on the table however is beyond me. My guess is that it will not happened as I was told that we need the approval of the Russians (similar with our arrangement with other arms sellers of course). As for the Flanker upgrades I am told that it is still classified as KIV as we still got another six to rely on for the next few years.
–Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (44)
Retired but keep in reserve like former F5E?
Reply
The F5E was never in reserve it is retired. Anyhow if an aircraft is put in reserve the aircraft will be kept in a flyable condition, and pilots remain qualified.
I believe this east european country to be Belarus.
On the MKM, another six for next few years? So is the 14 years overhaul extension as per Indian MKI can be applied to our MKM too?
On the MB-339CM, it seems like it has not been seen publicly for quite some time? Any operational issues with the MB-339CM?
So what is in then for LIMA 2019? How to save face if we do not buy anything major for like 3 LIMA's in a row?
Do a counter trade with the MiG Airframe with Russia for the Sukhoi mid life program.
....,
Might also have been Poland. It could also have been a Russian citizen [with previous experience] working with ATSC/AIROD. Parts could have been sourced from a variety of non Russian suppliers but the danger is that the OEM or Rosoboronexport wouldn't have provided certification/warranty for parts sourced from outside of Russia.
Yes, companies realise that gaining big ticket contracts is a long term affair and that even in times of spending cuts; building and maintaining relationships is vital but if the government can provide no indication or if defence cuts drag on indefinitely, companies won't spent the time and expense to exhibit. Or if they do it will be scaled back. Lets see if RTAF Gripens are there [SAAB previously provided funding for the LIMA appearance]; as well as others. On the other hand companies like Thales and DCNS will have no choice but to still maintain their presence given the number of contracts they've gained. I suspect LIMA 2019 will be pretty much normal but LIMA 2021 remains to be seen, as far as major exhibitors go.
On hindsight if only we had purchased 18 Hornet C instead of 18 Fulcrums back in 1996.
Sigh, and to know that Thailand had also placed an order for 8 Hornets but due to the 97 Financial Crisis the kingdom could not pay in full, to compensate the Clinton administration allowed the funds to be used to buy the Falcons instead and the 8 ordered went to the US Marine Corps and/or Navy aviation squadron.
That would have been a total of 8 D (which is still in service in Penang thank God) + 18 Hornet C insteads of the 18 Fulcrums + 8 from Thailand order = 34 Legacy Hornets.
Would have been a nice fit to split between Penang, Kuantan and Labuan for that.
Instead of going for the Sukhois (another big sigh), 18 Rhinos (Super Hornets) would have been better.
I don't buy this advocacy of having to please both the West and Russia in case of diplomacy breakdown.
See what MH 17 as a case in point. Triple sigh.
As they say in Russia our Russian jet fighter purchases are Cyka Blyat!
Itis not just the jets to be worried about. How about the pilots? Every pilot must fly few hours a month to maintain the skill. Although there is simulator it wont be the same. Flying is a must.
With only 6 MKMs, 8 Hornets, and several hawks (bigger in number jets unflyable) there are plenty of pilots undertrained.
Government is very diffficult to decide about the jets if the money is scarce. Sell them but no money to buy new one. Maintain them but not worth enough.
@ melayu ketinggalan
18 Mig-29 ≠ 18 FA-18C
the offer was for 12 FA-18 or 40+ Mig-29, and we choose to buy a few of both.
as is with the rhinos, there was never a budget to buy 18 of them. Remember each MKM costs just USD45 million each, which is actually way cheaper than even a Gripen C.
@ romeo
I have advocated an idea here on malaysian defence long time ago on how to tackle the issue of fighter pilot currency. Just waiting to see if the airforce leaders are inovative enough to think about something like that themselves.
Eastern Europe either Belarus or Ukraine had that capability. Belarus is our choice if we take politic as consideration. I had doubt on Poland capability. If we can't even extend n upgrade our MKM, it will not have any U turn. Poor our TUDM, TLDM n ATM still have new toys if everything run smooth.
Maybe we sell the MKM and maintain the hornet n hawk, since the new government will not concern on country defense + there is no different we keep the MKM but cannot fly...
@Melayu Ketinggalan
It would have been nice and dandy to go with Western and solely from US for hardware but as Indonesia back then and Saudi in recently found out, displeasing the USA masters (& their allies) means an indefinite freeze of more hardware and corresponding support until they are happy with the changes they want. Indonesia are still saddled with their non-flying F-16 A/Bs due to a standing ban in spare parts supply.
Furthermore, back then Madey was in a sour relationship with USA and the Fulcrum buy was his way to retaliate & pressure the Hornet sale. Both Russki jet buys were his decision, really.