Avitronics warning system for RMAF Sukhois
PETALING JAYA: South African defence electronics company Avitronics
has won a contract to supply 18 multi-sensor warning systems for
Malaysias Sukhoi fighter jets.
Chief executive for marketing, Anton Kieck, said the first and
second phases of the order were valued about RM80mil.
He said an order for the first phase was received two weeks ago and
engineers were already in Moscow to ensure that the system
integrates into the Russian-made fighters.
Avitronics hope to receive orders for the second phase the
development of the prototype by years end, and finally the
production of the systems, which would take about 18 months.
The Malaysian Government specified a westernised avionics suite
for its Sukhoi fleet and this will be the first time that the
Avitronics multi-sensor warning system be used on a Russian fighter
aircraft, he said.
This order follows numerous government-to-government negotiations
and the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between
South Africa and Malaysia for greater co-operation in the defence
industry.
Avitronics is 49% owned by Swedish car and aircraft maker
Saab.
Kieck said Avitronics was also keen to supply electronic warfare
protection systems to the Royal Malaysian Air Force fleet of Agusta
A109 light reconnaissance helicopters and C-130 transport
aircrafts.
Over the last three years, Malaysia had purchased 18 Sukhoi Su-30
fighter jets worth more than RM3bil and 11 Agusta helicopters worth
RM286mil.
