TSAMTO, July 1. The heads of the military departments of India and Malaysia are discussing a project for the supply of LCA Mk fighters.1 "Tejas" within the framework of the Malaysian program for the purchase of new training / light combat aircraft FLIT / LCA (Fighter Lead-in Trainer / Light Combat Aircraft).
As reported by the resource Perajurit.com On June 27, Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and his Malaysian counterpart Hishammuddin Tun Hussein held a video conference to discuss four key issues in the field of defense between the two countries.
During the discussion, the main attention was paid to the possible delivery of LCA Mk aircraft.1 "Tejas" under the FLIT/LCA program, as well as cooperation in the maintenance of Su-30MKM aircraft of the Malaysian Air Force.
As stated, in addition to the attractive financial package for the purchase of 18 Tejas units, the offer for maintenance and supply of spare parts for Su-30MKM aircraft is also considered very attractive.
Since the conflict in Ukraine is expected to take a long time, the Malaysian Air Force needs to find a country with comparable capabilities to ensure the combat readiness of the Su-30MKM fleet.
As the Malaysian side noted, in this case, India is undoubtedly a friendly country with which long-standing cooperation has been established. In addition, the Indian Su-30MKI aircraft has a similar Su-30MKM layout.
In addition, according to the information Perajurit.com, negotiations are continuing on India's purchase of Malaysian MiG-29N. Back in 2017, India expressed interest in buying MiG-29NS with their subsequent modernization and further use as part of the country's Air Force.
As previously reported by TSAMTO, the FLIT / LCA program of the Malaysian Air Force is designed to replace outdated training aircraft / light attack aircraft Hawk 108/208, which have been in service since the 1990s. The program provides for the purchase of 18 supersonic aircraft with the ability to refuel in the air, combat operations beyond visibility (BVR) and containing at least 30% of components manufactured in Malaysia. It is also required that the manufacturer begin deliveries within 36 months after signing the contract.
The Ministry of Defense of Malaysia announced the launch of a tender for the supply of 18 FLIT/LCA aircraft 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 aircraft is carried out within the framework of the long-term Air Force reform program until 2055, which bears the designation 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 supply of 18 aircraft, including 8 training and 10 light combat. Another 18 units are planned to be purchased at the second stage within the framework of the 13th Malaysian Plan (2026-2030). The purchase of 36 aircraft will form one training and two combat squadrons.
Although nine applicants initially expressed their intention to participate in the competition, by October 6, 2021, only six had submitted their proposals. Among them are 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.
Presumably, a South Korean KAI with an FA-50 unit.20 and Indian HAL with LCA Mk.1 Tejas are preferred candidates for the supply of new aircraft for the Malaysian Air Force. In particular, only KAI and HAL were negotiated twice during the year on the payment method. According to estimates, the total cost of the program is 4 billion ringgit (about $909.5 million), half of which is planned to be paid for by counter supplies of palm oil and its processed products.
