TSAMTO, October 20. The Malaysian Air Force plans to receive new FLIT/LCA (Fighter Lead-in Trainer/Light Combat Aircraft) training/light combat aircraft within the next three years.
This was announced by the commander-in-chief of the Malaysian Air Force, General Akbal Abdul Samad.
As reported by Airrecognition.com With reference to the commander, in accordance with the requirements of the long-term Air Force reform program until 2055, it is planned to purchase 36 FLIT/LCA aircraft for the Malaysian Air Force in two stages. They will support F/A-18D and Su-30MKM fighters.
As reported by TSAMTO, the Ministry of Defense of Malaysia announced the launch of a tender for the supply of 18 training / light combat aircraft (FLIT / LCA) for the country's Air Force on June 22, 2021. Currently, the Malaysian Air Force uses two variants of the BAE Systems Hawk UBS as FLIT/LCA aircraft, as well as several MB-339 TCB. These aircraft need to be replaced within 10 years.
The acquisition of new FLIT /LCA aircraft is carried out as part of the long-term Air Force reform program until 2055, which is designated CAP55 (Capability 55). This document provides for a two-stage purchase of 36 FLIT/LCA aircraft. At the first stage, the Air Force Command submitted a request for financing the purchase of 18 aircraft in 2021, including 8 training and 10 light combat aircraft. Another 18 units are planned to be purchased at the second stage within the framework of the 13th Malaysian Plan (2026-2030). As noted, 36 aircraft will form one training and two combat squadrons.
Among the requirements for FLIT / LCA are: the possibility of refueling in the air, the use of long-range missiles, the possibility of flying at supersonic speed, as well as the production of 30% of components in Malaysia.
Although nine applicants initially expressed their intention to participate in the competition, by October 6, 2021, only six had submitted their proposals.
As the resource reports Aerotime.aero With reference to the Malaysian media, Indian Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with Tejas, South Korean Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) with T-50/FA-50 "Fighting Eagle", Turkish Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with Hurjet, Italian Leonardo with M-346, Chinese Hongdu Aviation Industry Group with L-15A/B and " Rosoboronexport" with MiG-35.
At the same time, there is no Pakistani-Chinese JF-17 "Thunder" among the participants, which was initially called one of the contenders for victory.
According to the Malaysian newspaper The Edge Malaysia Weekly, the cost of the first batch of aircraft is estimated at about 4 billion ringgit ($960 million at the current exchange rate). At the same time, half of this amount must be paid through counter-trade in palm oil or products from it. Deliveries must be completed within 36 months after signing the contract.
