Malaysian Air Force Team Likely To Visit India Soon To Assess Suitability Of LCA Tejas Fighter Jet

[ayodhyapati]

A Malaysian Air Force team is expected to visit India soon to assess the suitability of the light combat aircraft (LCA), a locally developed system that has recently been ordered in large numbers by the Indian Air Force (IAF), as the force looks to acquire aline of new fighter jets. The Malaysian team is likely to visit Bengaluru within two months, depending on travel restrictions, and will be given a full tour of the LCA production facilities, test infrastructure as well as a demonstration of its combat potential, said people aware of the matter.




They said the Indian LCA has emerged as a top contender for the Malaysian Air Force since it is being offered at cheaper rates than the Swedish Saab Gripen and is more modern and capable than the China-Pakistan origin JF 17. India is offering the LCA Mk1A version, with a modern AESA radar, new avionics and the capability to integrate a variety of weapons, for the potential export order and is confident that the aircraft will be an ideal fit for the Malaysian requirement. The initial requirement is for 12 jets, with options for 24 more in the future, said the people.

Besides full support in training both ground and air personnel, India has offered to create a full maintenance, repair and overhaul facility for the LCA fleet in Malaysia to ensure a high rate of availability. India has been in talks with Malaysia on the potential order for more than three years now. In 2019, India had dispatched two of its LCA fighters for the LIMA show at Langkawi as part of its efforts to pitch the jets for the export order. India and Malaysia have also been engaging in multi-level joint exercises and training programmes as part of plans to upgrade defence cooperation.

The Indian aircraft is priced at just over $42 million per unit, a price made possible given economies of scale after the IAF placed an order for 83 fighter jets. This will make it the most lucrative aircraft on offer to Malaysia in the global scenario, said the people. Besides the Gripen and the JF 17, the South Korean T 50 is also a contender for the contract. Though Pakistan has also been pitching hard for its JF 17 fighter, its Chinese origins are likely to be an important consideration given that Malaysia has ongoing sea boundary disputes with Beijing.

Military Exports: Malaysian team to visit soon for LCA trial

A Malaysian Air Force team is expected to visit India soon to assess the suitability of the light combat aircraft (LCA), a locally developed system that has recently been ordered in large numbers by the Indian Air Force (IAF), as the force looks to acquire aline of new fighter jets.

economictimes.indiatimes.com

very encouraging interest shown by malaysians

 

[Aslan]

wait for the right time you will be obliged .

So you get into a fight, get your *** handed to you, you get up, run, cry your lungs out in front of the world, and then best you do is tell the guy ruk dekh main kya karta hoon.

Good, PAF can keep doing yall, and wait for the right time like a chinese tomorrow, which never comes.

 

[arjunk]

Intresting if true. I wonder what use Tejas will be though, Malaysia has F-18s and SU-30s.

 

[Ali_Baba]

[sarcasm_mode]

The Malaysian's are looking forward to purchasing a plane with an Israeli radar and Israeli BVR and WVR missiles, and numerous EW systems.

It does fit perfectly into their previous procurement decisions, etc

[/sarcasm_mode ]

 

[Indos]

Quite interesting to see which jet fighter Malaysian will decide to buy

Intresting if true. I wonder what use Tejas will be though, Malaysia has F-18s and SU-30s.

Malaysia defense spending currently is quite low, even lower than Bangladesh. They are focusing on the economy right now

 

[waz]

Lol it's just a trip.
They'll go for the Typhoon or an American option.

 

[arjunk]

Quite interesting to see which jet fighter Malaysian will decide to buy



Malaysia defense spending currently is quite low, even lower than Bangladesh. They are focusing on the economy right now

Tejas cost $65 million per unit, could buy 2 JF-17 Block III for that or 1 high end fighter.

 

[Indos]

Tejas cost $65 million per unit, could buy 2 JF-17 Block III for that or 1 high end fighter.

JF 17 Block 3 is not ready yet. If Malaysian see China as threat, they are not going to buy JF 17. Previous administration under Najib doesnt see China as threat and buy some warships from China, while Mahathir see China as threat and doesnt want to give up their ZEE over China nine dash line, we will see what is the wisdom of this new administration over this issue.

 

[Indos]

They will examine all the jets.
but they will most probably buy F/A-50. KAI FX program will be the main reason.

If they are clever, yes they should prepare for KFX since Singapore has already ordered F 35 and Indonesia inshaAllah will buy IFX in bulk (if the program is successful and Indonesia is still joining the program), possibly from block 1 until block 3. China will also use J 31 for their AC that will likely sail frequently in SCS.

 

[Vapnope]

I believe any buyer, with small pockets, would want simple supply chain and a time tested product. Purchase of JF17 or Tejas can only happen iff some other gains are attached with the purchase like access to Pakistani or Indian markets with preferential status.

 

[Indos]

I believe any buyer, with small pockets, would want simple supply chain and a time tested product. Purchase of JF17 or Tejas can only happen iff some other gains are attached with the purchase like access to Pakistani or Indian markets with preferential status.

I dont think something like this will likely to happen, producer countries will not likely to relax their market of other goods over the sales of jet fighters. We can see what happen with many fighters sale in Middle East/Europe/Asia. Both India and Pakistan domestic demand for fighters can still give economical rational for their aerospace industry to sustain their business in relation with their fighter program.

 

[Vapnope]

I dont think something like this will happen, producer will not likely to relax their market over the sales of jet fighters. We can see what happen with many fighters sale in Middle East/Europe/Asia. Both India and Pakistan domestic demand for fighters can still give economical rational for their aerospace industry to sustain their business in relation with their fighter program.

Just saying that purchase of relatively inexperienced planes can only be possible if other offsets come with the deal (Even if from under the table).

 

[Irfan Baloch]

looking forward to the debate

that debate will be best with someone from Malaysia who has relatively good knowledge of Malaysian air force its strategy, threat perception and future.

first that person will shed the light on the accuracy of this report and how its political/ military leadership views the alternatives and what the Malaysian public fan base says.

a Pakistan vs Indian debate already exists over the years spread over tens of thousands of pages with each side having a negative view of the other.


for the sake of debate I can just make an opener that.
1. Malaysia should look for MK2 version of Tejas.

2. I dont think Malaysia has funding issues and it wont give up on Grippen purely because its expensive.
just check out their air force inventory.
Grippen is definitely way above JF-17 and Tejas (fanboys of India & Pakistan please swallow the truth) this is why it was a contender in the competition MMRCA (not Tejas ) which ended with Indian politicians choosing Rafales.

 

[Ali_Baba]

If they are clever, yes they should prepare for KFX since Singapore has already ordered F 35 and Indonesia inshaAllah will buy IFX in bulk (if the program is successful and Indonesia is still joining the program), possibly from block 1 until block 3. China will also use J 31 for their AC that will likely sail frequently in SCS.

Strategically speaking the KFX/IFX buys them new tech, and it is the best political decision.

Is KFX/IFX ITAR free ? It has a USA engine, which is problematic for some countries.

 

[Irfan Baloch]

There won't be. Expect trolling.

There won't be. Expect trolling.

we cant avoid it unfortunately
I have seen it even among best of chums and buddies UK and USA. they dont spare each other when it comes around bragging one product and mocking the others.

I know here we (Indians and Pakistanis) will be talking on behalf of Malaysians . but hopefully something useful will be shared too,.