Expert: Rafale the most rational choice for ÿÈÕ´óÈü's future fighter fleet
KUALA LUMPUR: ÿÈÕ´óÈü would benefit more from acquiring 4.5-generation fighter jets such as the Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon Tranche 3 or the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as replacements for its ageing fleet by 2040, according to a defence expert.
Aviation security analyst and former research fellow at Universiti Pertahanan Nasional ÿÈÕ´óÈü's (UPNM) Centre for Maritime Research and Excellence Lieutenant Commander (Rtd) Farizha Ibrahim said 4.5G aircraft offered near-fifth-generation technology at more practical costs while ensuring compatibility with ÿÈÕ´óÈü's existing defence systems and minimising geopolitical risks.
Among the options, he described the Dassault Rafale as the most rational choice, compared to the Typhoon or the Super Hornet, because of its "omnirole" capability — a single aircraft designed to execute multiple missions, including air superiority, ground attack, maritime strike, aerial reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
"This omnirole capability is critical for ÿÈÕ´óÈü given current financial constraints and the need for flexibility," he said.
Farizha said that while the Eurofighter Typhoon had strong air-to-air dominance, its ground and maritime strike capabilities were only added later through enhancement programmes, as it was originally developed during the Cold War for air superiority.
The Super Hornet, he said, offered some advantages due to interoperability with ÿÈÕ´óÈü's existing Hornet fleet, but its technology is dated and the United States Navy is phasing it out in favour of the F-35 — raising concerns about long-term logistics support.
On the F-35, Farizha acknowledged it was the most advanced and battle-proven fighter, but added that its unit price, operating costs and restrictive technology access would make it unrealistic for ÿÈÕ´óÈü.
Turning to Russia and China as alternative suppliers, he warned of Western sanctions, logistics hurdles, and poor interoperability, making such options high-risk.
"From a strategic autonomy perspective, U.S. aircraft purchases like the Super Hornet fall under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which could restrict ÿÈÕ´óÈü's freedom in the event of political tensions.
"The Typhoon, meanwhile, involves a four-nation consortium, making its export process more bureaucratic and slower," he said.
France, however, has shown greater consistency in export flexibility, he said, adding that Rafale procurement would allow ÿÈÕ´óÈü to maintain strategic autonomy while creating regional synergy.
Indonesia has already ordered 42 Rafales, which Farizha said presented ÿÈÕ´óÈü with opportunities for economies of scale in training, maintenance and spare parts sharing, reducing long-term operational costs.
"Choosing the Typhoon or Super Hornet would leave ÿÈÕ´óÈü more isolated in the region, without regional synergy," he added.
Highlighting Rafale's combat credentials, Farizha said the jet was equipped with the RBE2-AA AESA radar, the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, and is capable of deploying a wide array of Western weapons including Exocet, SCALP and AASM Hammer.
"It has proven itself in real combat operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali and Syria. The Typhoon, while modern, remains more dominant in air-to-air combat, while the Super Hornet, although proven at sea, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan," he said.