RPK
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India to train Malaysian Airforce pilots
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's decision to allow Indian Air Force to groom, train and equip its frontline Sukhoi pilots is a proof of the southeast Asian country's faith on New Delhi, a senior IAF officer has said.
"The fact that a foreign country is permitted to groom, train and equip your frontline pilots is by itself a testament of the confidence and faith they have in us. This is a strong demonstration of a high-level of friendship and diplomacy which is very commendable," IAF's chief flight instructor Group Captain KVR Raju was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
Russia and India are committed to bolster Malaysia's air defence and combat capability, so far as the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker squadron is concerned, Russia's warranty team leader Vladimir Konnov and the IAF's team chief Group Captain KVR Raju has asserted.
Meanwhile, defence superpowers like China, Britain and France are reportedly providing supporting roles via various transfer-of-technology and offset deals to enhance Malaysia's defence prowess, local news reports said.
Raju is leading an Indian contingent of four instructor pilots, one weapons systems officer, two engineers, 22 technicians and two administrative servicemen.
The IAF pilots would be retained until August, while their colleagues would return after the completion of their two-year tour of duty in July.
The trilateral Russian-Indian-Malaysian collaboration was something unique as it provided a stepping stone for the country to groom its next generation of airmen, the IAF officer said.
"Thus far, our assessment of the RMAF crew shows they are of an exceptional high standard and I am confident the current crew will pass on their expertise and experience to others to take Malaysia to the next level of competency," New Straits Times quoted Raju as saying.
Aircraft engineer Konnov said that while his team was responsible for the aircraft's serviceability, performance, snag rectification and technical support, they also ensured that the Malaysians mastered the required skills.
"The Sukhoi is a very complex and complicated aircraft to operate. As Malaysia is still in its infancy, it will be wise to retain the Russian and Indian specialists to fully acquire the proficiency and realise its potential," he said.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) 11th Squadron commanding officer Lt Col Mohamad Asghar Khan said the country's "love story" with Russia and India began in 1994 with the purchase of 18 MiG-29N Fulcrum aircraft under a 1.3 billion Malaysian ringgit deal.
The RMAF officer, who was among the pioneer MiG-29N pilots, said Malaysia's involvement with the two countries had since blossomed to a "love affair" with the Su-30MKM purchase.
"We have come a long way and hope to reinforce our relationship with Russia and India over the long term to chart our air defence and combat capability. I believe strongly in this partnership, especially with the support of the proven Irkut Corporation and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in terms of obtaining reliable spares and equipment," he said.
Khan was referring to the pioneer batch of six pilots, four engineers and 53 technical crew sent to Russia and over 100 technical crew sent to India for training.
Russia has since deployed nearly 50 technical crew here, while India has trained 23 RMAF engineers and 260 technicians to date.
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia's decision to allow Indian Air Force to groom, train and equip its frontline Sukhoi pilots is a proof of the southeast Asian country's faith on New Delhi, a senior IAF officer has said.
"The fact that a foreign country is permitted to groom, train and equip your frontline pilots is by itself a testament of the confidence and faith they have in us. This is a strong demonstration of a high-level of friendship and diplomacy which is very commendable," IAF's chief flight instructor Group Captain KVR Raju was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
Russia and India are committed to bolster Malaysia's air defence and combat capability, so far as the Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker squadron is concerned, Russia's warranty team leader Vladimir Konnov and the IAF's team chief Group Captain KVR Raju has asserted.
Meanwhile, defence superpowers like China, Britain and France are reportedly providing supporting roles via various transfer-of-technology and offset deals to enhance Malaysia's defence prowess, local news reports said.
Raju is leading an Indian contingent of four instructor pilots, one weapons systems officer, two engineers, 22 technicians and two administrative servicemen.
The IAF pilots would be retained until August, while their colleagues would return after the completion of their two-year tour of duty in July.
The trilateral Russian-Indian-Malaysian collaboration was something unique as it provided a stepping stone for the country to groom its next generation of airmen, the IAF officer said.
"Thus far, our assessment of the RMAF crew shows they are of an exceptional high standard and I am confident the current crew will pass on their expertise and experience to others to take Malaysia to the next level of competency," New Straits Times quoted Raju as saying.
Aircraft engineer Konnov said that while his team was responsible for the aircraft's serviceability, performance, snag rectification and technical support, they also ensured that the Malaysians mastered the required skills.
"The Sukhoi is a very complex and complicated aircraft to operate. As Malaysia is still in its infancy, it will be wise to retain the Russian and Indian specialists to fully acquire the proficiency and realise its potential," he said.
Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) 11th Squadron commanding officer Lt Col Mohamad Asghar Khan said the country's "love story" with Russia and India began in 1994 with the purchase of 18 MiG-29N Fulcrum aircraft under a 1.3 billion Malaysian ringgit deal.
The RMAF officer, who was among the pioneer MiG-29N pilots, said Malaysia's involvement with the two countries had since blossomed to a "love affair" with the Su-30MKM purchase.
"We have come a long way and hope to reinforce our relationship with Russia and India over the long term to chart our air defence and combat capability. I believe strongly in this partnership, especially with the support of the proven Irkut Corporation and India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd in terms of obtaining reliable spares and equipment," he said.
Khan was referring to the pioneer batch of six pilots, four engineers and 53 technical crew sent to Russia and over 100 technical crew sent to India for training.
Russia has since deployed nearly 50 technical crew here, while India has trained 23 RMAF engineers and 260 technicians to date.
