Malaysia formally launches tender for new trainer, light combat aircraft
Royal Malaysian Air Force Hawk 208 light combat aircraft. |
The Minister of Defense of Malaysia officially announced the tender for the supply of 18 Fighter Lead In Trainer-Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT/LCA) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), on June 22.
Under the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), the service plans to acquire 36 FLIT/LCA aircraft in two phases. RMAF asked the government for a budget for the acquisition of 18 aircraft in phase 1 (8 in FLIT variant and 10 in LCA variant) through the submission of the new projects 2021 and furter 18 aircraft in phase 2, as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).
The RMAF currently operates 18 BAE Systems Hawk jets (4 in the 108 variant for training and 14 in the 208 variant for combat), together with some Aermacchi MB-339 trainers.
Half of the fleet is nearing the end of its operational life and must be replaced within 10 years. After the suspension of the MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) purchasing program due to lack of funds, the introduction of the type became a priority for RMAF. The new LCA will provide support for the current Boeing F/A-18D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets, as well as play a key role in the nation's security. The Hawk is proving to be pivotal in counter-terrorism operations in the eastern state of Sabah, bordering the southern Philippines.
Types currently under evaluation include the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle; the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas; the Leonardo M-346; the Aero Vodochody L-39NG; the CAC L-15A/B; the CAC/PAC JF-17; the Saab Gripen and the Yakovlev Yak-130. The tender will be closed on September 22.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Image: RMAF
Under the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55), the service plans to acquire 36 FLIT/LCA aircraft in two phases. RMAF asked the government for a budget for the acquisition of 18 aircraft in phase 1 (8 in FLIT variant and 10 in LCA variant) through the submission of the new projects 2021 and furter 18 aircraft in phase 2, as part of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK-13).
The RMAF currently operates 18 BAE Systems Hawk jets (4 in the 108 variant for training and 14 in the 208 variant for combat), together with some Aermacchi MB-339 trainers.
Half of the fleet is nearing the end of its operational life and must be replaced within 10 years. After the suspension of the MRCA (Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) purchasing program due to lack of funds, the introduction of the type became a priority for RMAF. The new LCA will provide support for the current Boeing F/A-18D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets, as well as play a key role in the nation's security. The Hawk is proving to be pivotal in counter-terrorism operations in the eastern state of Sabah, bordering the southern Philippines.
Types currently under evaluation include the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle; the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Tejas; the Leonardo M-346; the Aero Vodochody L-39NG; the CAC L-15A/B; the CAC/PAC JF-17; the Saab Gripen and the Yakovlev Yak-130. The tender will be closed on September 22.
Written by Matteo Sanzani
Image: RMAF
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