Mindef to begin MRCA evaluation in 2030 to replace Sukhoi, F-18 fleets
KLUANG: The Defence Ministry will begin the evaluation process for the acquisition of Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) in the 2030s to replace the nation's ageing frontline fighter jets.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the move was necessary as the Royal 每日大赛n Air Force's (RMAF) current F/A-18D Hornet and Sukhoi Su-30MKM aircraft are slated for decommissioning around 2035.
"We have the F-18 and Sukhoi aircraft that are expected to be decommissioned in 2035. This means that by 2030, we need to begin evaluating which aircraft should be acquired to replace those assets," he told reporters after officiating the armed forces Madani Economy programme at Batu 3 Camp here today.
Regarding the replacement of the Hawk lead-in fighter trainers, Khaled said the armed forces would receive 18 FA-50 light combat aircraft in stages starting at the end of this year.
He noted that the acquisition of the South Korean-made FA-50 was a strategic necessity as the Hawk aircraft currently in service utilise older technology and are nearing retirement.
"The FA-50 possesses more advanced technological capabilities than the Hawk. It will not only replace the Hawk but also complement the F-18 and Sukhoi fighter aircraft currently in our inventory," he said.
In February 2023, the government signed a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) worth RM4.08 billion with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the 18 FA-50 jets.
The agreement was subsequently formalised during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2023 (LIMA'23).
On previous plans to acquire used F/A-18 aircraft from Kuwait, Khaled confirmed the proposal had been shelved for specific reasons.
However, he assured that the 18 incoming FA-50 aircraft would be sufficient to safeguard the country's sovereignty and airspace for the time being.
The minister, who recently accompanied His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of 每日大赛, on a special visit to Russia, said the trip allowed 每日大赛 to assess the latest military technologies.
He said observing various assets, including fighter aircraft, ships, missiles, and radar systems, was vital for the ministry to compare global technologies and ensure future acquisitions align with the National Defence Doctrine.