Malaysia Reveals Force Structure for Air Force in 2055

The Royal Malaysia Air Force (RMAF) has published an infographic detailing its force structure plans up to 2055. Based on the plan, RMAF fighter jet fleet will be two types, a multi role combat aircraft (MRCA) and the light combat aircraft (LCA) organised into five squadrons. Currently, the RMAF operates a mixed fleet of Su-30, F-18C/D and MiG-29 with additional supplement for the light attack roles from the trainer fleet - Hawk and MB339.

The transport squadrons will be reduced from four to three units with the aircraft type reduced from four to two. The A400M should still be a major transport asset in the next few decades. The helicopter fleet will be standardized into a single aircraft type. This seems to indicate that attack helicopter procurement is not in the plan.  However, there are plans for one squadron of Airborne Early Warning aircraft  and long endurance Unmanned Aircraft as well as one squadron of maritime patrol aircraft. The RMAF of the future will maintain air defence radars and one regiment of ground based air defence system which does not seems to be adequate for wide geographical spread of the country.

RMAF

Malaysia Seeks Light Combat Aircraft

Just months after shelving the plan to purchase a high end fighter as a replacement for their MiG-29 fleet, Malaysia is considering the purchase of a Light Combat Aircraft for the RMAF instead. The cost is reportedly is large factor in the decision. The South Korean FA-50 is reportedly a prime candidate. The type is already in service with neighbors Philippines and Indonesia (T-50) with orders on the way for Thailand (T-50).

Janes

CNA

KAI

Royal Malaysian Air Force Jet Trainer Crashed

17 May 2016: A RMAF MB-339CM crashed earlier today. The two pilots ejected safely. According to RMAF, the Kuantan Air Base aircraft encountered technical problem at around 12.54pm during on a training sortie. The aircraft crashed into a paddy field in Kampung Serun, Nenasi, about 50km from Pekan town.

Photo from New Straits Times

This is the second RMAF aircraft crash in three months. On 26 February, a CN-235 transport aircraft made a crash landing in the water near the coastline of Kuala Selangor. The aircraft apparently experienced engine problem and made an emergency landing. All crew and passengers were unharmed but a local villager apparently drowned while trying to reach the crashed aircraft to rescue those onboard.

Video of Crashed CN-235

nst.com

Royal Malaysian Air Force Received Second A400M

RMAF's second A400M on test flight in Spain before delivery to Malaysia

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has received its second A400M Atlas transport aircraft from Airbus Defence & Space. Malaysia is the first export customer for the A400M, having placed a $2.5 billion order for four A400M in 2005.  The first aircraft was delivered on 17 March 2015. The remaining two A400Ms are expected to be delivered this year. With far superior performance than the existing C-130 operated by RMAF, the A400M will greatly improve the strategic and tactical airlift capability of the RMAF.

New Straits Times

The Star