SHAH ALAM: Singapore Airshow 2016 was launched yesterday amid growing doubts over the aerospace industry as the world braced for an economic slowdown. The clouds hanging over the show did not persist even as the crowd favourite – the aerial displays – did their best to liven up the rather subdued Changi Exhibition Centre.
I might be accused of being nationalistic but the performance of the RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM was the most outstanding in displays which ranged from AH-64 Apache, F-15SG Strike Eagle, F-16s, the Rafale and the FA-50s. The latter are from the Black Eagles Display Team from the Republic of Korean Air Force.
It must be said that the MKM display at the show was what we had expected from the 11th Squadron – masterful and polished – since the jet first debuted at LIMA-series of exhibition in 2007. I know the pictures below do not justice to the display by the Sukhoi. If you crave for more just do a Google search.
Apart from the Sukhoi which is only taking part in the aerial display, RMAF is also represented in the static show by M54-02, the second Airbus A400M air-lifter.
Inside the exhibition centre, several Malaysian companies are taking part via the participation of MATRADE, the national promotion agency for trade. As expected Singapore Technologies was the biggest exhibitor at the show befitting its status as the island republic sole state=owned engineering and defence technology company.
From guns to UAVs, ST showcased what its possible with a little more grey power backed with plenty of money in the bank.
Anyhow pounding the centre, I found out somethings involving Malaysian upgrade programmes which was surprising to say the least. Who knows how many stories on Malaysia would I got if I stayed more than one day in Singapore? Oh well.
Terma officials at the show confirmed that the navigation radars selected for the Lekiu-class frigates – KD Lekiu and KD Jebat – and MPCSS – KD Mahawangsa and KD Inderasakti – is the Terma Scanter 6000 series. For more on that story read here.
At the CMC- Esterline booth, officials there remained hopeful that a contract to provide C-130 cockpit upgrades for the RMAF will be signed at the upcoming DSA 2016 show in Kuala Lumpur. The LOA for the Hercules upgrade with Airod Sdn Bhd was signed at DSA 2014. The project have yet to start however as negotiations are still being carried out.
The other update programmes will be posted soon, I promise.
— Malaysian Defence
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View Comments (9)
Will you still be at the show tomorrow, 18-2-2016
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Unfortunately, no. I was only there on the 16th. a day trip.
Ok thank you.
Can I have your email address for future ref. Thanks.
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Its there in the About page.
Nice pics n vids. Thankz.
I heard there is a premiere at the event of a new variant of the su-30mki/mkm/mka/sm called the su-30sme.
Any major upgrades incorporated into this new variant like upgraded radars, new EW/jammers etc etc?
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this is the export variant of the Russian AF Su-30SM, so it will feature Russian stuff like ew, radar, jammers. No idea whether all of these are new or not.
Confirmed visually. Our A400M has missile warning sensors and chaff and flare dispensers.
Marhalim, I think some russian guy just stole your video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NmeZdklSAU
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Hahaha...I complained to Youtube..
One word for the Sukhoi display, mesmerizing!!! Anybody know the call sign of the pilot and wizzo? Again TUDM steals the show, when will ASEAN nation support each other, and send their display teams, to every nation airshow, just like the Europeans, let's Singapore and Malaysia start the ball rolling, or is it my wet dream?
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I only know the pilot's it is Sting. Only Indonesia has a proper air display team, the Jupiter. I am not sure of the status as two of the aircraft crashed at LIMA 15. Singapore Air Force air display team, Black Knights, is an ad hoc formation. Smokey Bandits I believed has disbanded as there is not enough aircraft for them to fly.
I believe Kris Sakti is a dedicated team as well. We'll see if the Smokey Bandits are still active at the next Lima, if the MiG is still in service.
What meant is, necessary a dedicated team, but a flying down static display unit, to represent the country, just like Malaysia and Singapore is doing, wouldn't good to show some solidarity and camaraderie by the air forces, put aside the difference, and show the world that ASEAN is mature enough