last post for tonight... sleepy man...
Malaysia Buys 18 Sukhois in RM3.4b Deal
KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (2:22pm): The Government today announced its
purchase of 18 Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flanker fighter jets
for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, under a package deal worth
US$900 million (RM3,42 billion).
Making the announcement, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun
Razak said that the deal proper would be made towards the years
end, possibly during the proposed visit of Russian President
Vladimir Putin.
We have agreed in principle on the technical specifications of the
aircraft and the financial aspects of the purchase," he told a
packed Press conference at Wisma Pertahanan in Jalan Padang Tembak.
"There are other formalities, including the direct and indirect
offset packages, to be settled with."
Also present at the Press conference was Najibs Russian
counterpart Sergey Ivanov who is on a three-day visit here.
The 18 jets, specially customised to Malaysian specifications (thus
the MKM), would be delivered the earliest by 2006.
We selected the Su-30MKM because it fulfilled the RMAF's
requirements of an advanced, multi-role combat aircraft to enhance
its capabilities," he said. "The purchase is also part of RMAF's
modernisation."
Najib said Russia would look into the possibility of helping RMAF
upgrade its two squadrons of 18 MiG-29N, purchased in 1994.
At the same time, we will also seek technical support from India,
for both the MiGs and Sukhois, another major operator of the
Russian jets, he said.
Welcoming Russias cooperation to develop the countrys defence and
anti-terrorism capabilities, Najib said there was avenue for
Malaysia to exchange intelligence and information on these
issues.
Malaysia is also expected to purchase a similar number of F/A-18E/F
Super Hornets from Boeing of the United States.
Should both the Su-30MKM and Super Hornet deals materialise, it
would make the RMAF one of the most modern outfits in the
world.
The Su-30MKM, an upgraded version of the
Su-27, is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, designed by the
Lyulka Engine Design Bureau (NPO Saturn). It could also be fitted
with the AL-31FP engine with thrust-vectoring nozzles, just like
those fitted to the MKI variants currently operated by the Indian
Air Force.
The aircraft could be equipped with a 30mm GSh-301 gun with 150
rounds of ammunition and a range of missiles, rockets and bombs
mounted externally on 14 hardpoints.
These include the air-to-air missiles carried by the aircraft
includes: R-27R1 (NATO designation AA-10A Alamo-A), all-aspect
medium-range missile with semi-active radar homing and R-27T1
(AA-10B Alamo-B) with infrared homing and a range from 0.5 to 60km;
and R-73E (AA-11 Archer) all-aspect, close-combat air-to-air
missile with infra-red homing and a range from 0.3 to
20km.
Its systems include infrared search and track system, laser
range-finder, radar, and helmet-mounted target designator provide
detection, tracking and attack capability.
Ivanov said that his deputy Mikhail Dmitriev, who accompanied him,
was leading a high-level military and technical delegation to iron
out the finer details in the Sukhoi purchase programme for
Malaysia.
These include legalities, and terms and conditions on after-sales
and support services to ensure the continued serviceability of the
aircraft," he said.
Also to be discussed are the research and development, and transfer
of technology facilities. The major purchase conditions were agreed
upon by both parties.
Malaysia and Russia would, over the next few days, be involved in
talks here on defence industry cooperation which includes trade of
hardware, research and development, training and military
exercises.
The aircraft purchase is a culmination of the visit by Prime
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Moscow several years
ago, according to Ivanov.
The aircraft purchase package, although not large, is very
significant for a long-term business partnership and other
bilateral deals between both countries, including that of space
technology.
For Malaysia, I believe the purchase will attach great promise to
develop the countrys economy, now that Malaysian-Russian trade is
on the increase, he said.
On Russias perception of the terrorist threat in Malaysia, Ivanov
said Malaysia has a sound security and stable political climate
that encouraged countries like Russia to do business here.
I am satisfied with the current situation and convinced of the
counter-terrorism efforts undertaken by your government," he said.
"On our part, we are prepared to assist Malaysia in this aspect,
including providing training and conducting joint military
exercises."
One of the proposals was for the Royal Malaysian Navy to
participate in joint exercises in the Indian Ocean where Russia has
a large fleet presence.
Ivanov said Russia, along with China and several central Asian
countries, had set up international anti-terrorism centres to that
effect.(Source: The New Straits Times Online)
it could be fitted with the AL-31FP... but its not... instead..
it is fitted with the AL-31F (NON VTC version)
weird... no R-77 mentioned.... 
i thought they sure buy R-77 this time round?
oh... well... feel free to correct me if i am wrong...
but for now... my conclusion is...
1... no VTC..
2... if based on SU-27.. then probably no canards as well....
3... no R-77
good nite...
