Video: Malaysian Su-30 handover

planeman said:

Odd thing is Russia is still flogging AA-10s with these birds. I think Malaysia has AA-12 (R-77) for the Fulcrums anyway so presume the Su-30s will have that capability also.

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Malaysian military is definately "on the up" and one for China to look out for in the future, though not an obvious enemy or anything. In fact Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore are all rapidly expanding their military capability and reach and Thailand is already pretty potent, so China may have difficultly operating in that theatre if circumstances require it in the future IMO. :coffee:

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Agreed. The only thing that worries me about the RMAF is the mix of combat aircraft. I think it would be far better for Malaysia to reduce to perhaps two types. The new Su-30MKM will be an excellent multi purpose aircraft and there have been reports that Malaysia also wants the FA-18E/F Super Hornets.



I actually think that a mix of the latest Flankers alongside a squadron of Super Hornets would give Malaysia a very potent mix. It would also prevent the country from becoming too dependent on one source of combat aircraft. However, if the RMAF also continues to operate the MIG-29s along with aircraft like the FA-18D, F5E, RF5, Hawk and MB339 I think it will have a maintenance and logistics nightmare. Preumably the FA-18Ds would be replaced by the SHs but I notice from the comments in the attached link that the F5s are to be refurbished for further service and the MIG-29Ns are spoken about as having another two decades of service so there will be a number of different types even without the SHs.

Whilst I think a mix of no more than two types would be sensible from a logistcs and maintenance point of view I can see the possibility of Malaysia having at least three frontline aircraft if it acquires FA-18E/Fs to follow on the new Flankers. I guess they would then use the MIG-29Ns in the air defence role, the Super Hornets in the strike and anti shipping role and the Su-30MKMs as a multi purpose 'swing' force, although the SH could also operate in this role.

What do others think of the large mix of aircraft in the RMAF inventory?

Cheers

While more types apparently let you spezialize your aircraft and crews on certain tasks, the question is if it's worth the extra efforts in logistics.
And buying more small batches of different aircraft is most probably more expansice than buying larger batches of less or the same.