LIMA: Latest News on Pending Malaysia Military Purchases

nWo SG

The Star Online

Tuesday September 30, 2003

Najib: 12 MoUs to be signed during Lima

BY ANTHONY TAN AND IAN MCINTYRE

LANGKAWI: Twelve memorandums of understanding (MoUs) worth several hundred million ringgit are expected to be signed during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima 2003) exhibition here.

The MoUs would cover collaborative ventures, six defence procurement deals and one delivery order, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

He said the signing of the MoUs would be held throughout the event which begins today and ends on Friday.

The deals are quite significant and underlines Malaysias commitment towards enhancing its defence capabilities and in joint collaborative efforts with foreign defence contractors, Najib said after inspecting the final preparations for the opening of Lima 2003 at Padang Matsirat here yesterday.

Besides putting Malaysia on the tourism map, Najib said the defence trade show had given the impetus for Malaysia to seal partnerships with foreign manufacturers on defence procurement and to boost the nations own defence industry.

A total of 600 companies from 25 nations will participate in the aerospace segment at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Hall. Most of the companies are from Russia, Britain, the United States and Malaysia.

Najib said the organisers were hoping to impress Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who mooted the idea for the Lima series.

On Russias participation, Najib said the country was one of the most active participants in Lima, having come here since the first one in 1991.

We have sealed significant deals such as the purchase of the MIG-29s and the latest the Sukhoi SU-30MK two-seater multi-purpose fighter aircraft with Russia so it is a key participant in our defence exhibitions, he added.

Najib said he expected Lima 2003 to be a rousing affair, with the participation of 100 aircraft including those performing in the aerial displays.

Le Proton Lima Sdn Bhd (aerospace organiser) executive director Mohd Yusof Manan said: This years response is more encouraging than in 2001, which was marred by the Sept 11 terror attacks.

nWo SG

News Straits Times Online

Italian copters may be Army Air Wings first buy
Leslie Andres

LANGKAWI, Sept 30: THIS years Lima will see a deal being struck between the Government and an Italian company for the procurement of the first component of the Army Air Wing.

The deal is at the end stage of negotiations and an agreement or Letter of Award is expected to be signed before the close of Lima '03.

"There will most likely be a ceremony and it will be announced soon," said Italian Embassy Defence Attache Capt Adriano Sarto.

The Government is negotiating the purchase of 11 Agusta A109M light observation helicopters as the first component of the air wing.

When the idea for an Army Air Wing was first mooted, attention was focused on the purchase of attack helicopters.

The Apache attack helicopter from America's Boeing and the South African Rooivalk by Denel were the front runners in the race for the contract.

Now that the deal for the A109M is to be concluded soon, it is unclear whether the Government will go ahead with the purchase of attack helicopters.

The A109M is capable of carrying light armaments and can be used as an attack helicopter besides its surveillance capabilities.

Another idea being mooted is the possibility of upgrading the Royal Malaysian Air Force's aging Aer-macchi MB339 jet trainer aircraft.

"The upgrade would be done in association with Malaysian industry players to bring the aircraft up to the level of the aircraft which the RMAF may get from the Royal New Zealand Air Force," said Sarto.

The Government recently announced the leasing possibility of 16 MB339s from the RNZAF to complement its existing fleet of aircraft, used as lead-in jet trainers for RMAF pilots.

Another Italian company set to make an offer to the Government is Alenia Aeronautica.

Sarto said the company is offering its ATR42 maritime surveillance aircraft, in wide use by the Italian Coast Guard and Customs Department.

"This is in keeping with the proposal to set up the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency," he said.

Sarto said Italian companies were keen to maintain a close relationship with Malaysian companies and the Government.

Alenia Marconi, an Anglo-Italian joint venture, has a Malaysian partner in Comlenia Sdn Bhd, which has the contract for the maintenance and support of the Royal Malaysian Navy's four new Laksamana class corvettes.

Airod Alenia Technology Malaysia, meanwhile, is a Malaysian-Italian joint venture company that holds the contract for the maintenance and support of Malaysia's military and civil land-based radars.

nWo SG

Vietnam Agency News

Russia-Malaysia defence cooperation

(09/30/2003 -- 19:03GMT+7)

Moscow, Sept. 30 (VNA) - Malaysia has been Russia's leading Southeast Asian partner in military and technical cooperation over the past 10 years, said Victor Komacdin, Vice Director of Russia's arms export company, Rosoboronexport.

The Russian Vice Director made the comment at the International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2003, which opened in Langkawi, Malaysia, on Tuesday.

Malaysia signed a deal to import many Russia's Mig-29 fighter jets in 1994. A Russo-Malaysian joint venture enterprise was established in 1995, specialising in maintaining and modernising aerospace products and technology imported from Russia.

A protocol on mutual understanding in defence cooperation, defence technology and defence industry, signed between Russia and Malaysia in 1999, was a milestone in the countries' military cooperation.

Russia signed a contract to provide "Metis" and "Igla-1" missiles to Malaysia. Russia also signed a deal with Malaysia for the delivery of 18 Sukhoi SU-30MKM fighter jets, during President Vladimir Putin's visit to Malaysia last month. The deal marked a change in Russo-Malaysian military technical cooperation.

Russia gives priority to promoting military technical cooperation with other countries. Last year, the country exported 4.8 billion USD worth of military equipment.-Enditem

nWo SG

The Star Online

Wednesday October 1, 2003

Copter handover formalised

LANGKAWI: Malaysia yesterday took delivery of the Agusta Westland Super Lynx 300 multi-role helicopter during a ceremonial handover at Tanjung Malai here.

Royal Malaysia Navy chief Laksmana Datuk Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor signed the acceptance agreement on behalf of the navy while Agusta Westland managing director Alan Johnston signed for the company.

The signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who later boarded a Super Lynx on static display, to take a closer look at the flying machine.

Of the five which have been delivered, three are undergoing trials. The helicopters will be based at the Lumut naval base.

Earlier, Dr Mahathir graced the maritime section of Lima 2003. With him was Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

The Prime Minister and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah watched a fly-pass of aircraft and a speedboat demonstration before touring the exhibition hall.

Dr Mahathir then conducted a fleet review of 46 naval ships anchored offshore.

nWo SG

The Star Online

Wednesday October 1, 2003

RMAF planning to buy Super Hornets

LANGKAWI: The Royal Malaysian Air Force is considering buying Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter planes as part of its move to beef up the nations air defence capabilities.

This was revealed here yesterday by RMAF chief Jen Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad, who said the Super Hornets were far superior to the present batch of F/A-18A Hornet fighter jets based in Butterworth.

We have a responsibility to marshal our air defence, so we are looking at the Super Hornets, he added, saying that Super Hornet had the capability to hold 30% more ordinance than the F/A-18A.

There are two versions of the Super Hornets, the F/A-18E which is a single-seater jet and the F/A-18F (which is among the aircraft at Lima 2003) a twin-seater.

The Super Hornet is a long-range, all-weather strike fighter, fully capable of conducting air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions. Its most recent combat action was during the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts.

The aircraft is exclusively used by the US Navy and Marines and if Malaysia decides to buy either version of the Super Hornet, it will become the first country outside the US to have the aircraft.

Abdullah later received a courtesy call from US Navy Deputy Assistant Secretary (International Programme) Rear Admiral Mark Milliken at the RMAF suite in the Mahsuri International Exhibition Hall here.

nWo SG

The Star Online

Wednesday October 1, 2003

Centre to service fighter jets set up

By David Tan in Langkawi

IRKUT Corp will establish a maintenance centre for servicing SUKHOI fighter jets in Malaysia by 2006, according to president Alexey I. Fedorov.

The maintenance centre will be a joint-venture effort with a local partner. The Malaysian government is now in the process of identifying a suitable local partner, he told StarBiz at the 7th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) air show yesterday.

Fedorov added that the SUKHOI jet fighters would be ready for delivery to Malaysia in either 2006 or 2007.

By that time, the centre should be ready, he said, adding that initial investments could run up to several millions of US dollars.''

Fedorov said Irkut was also planning to establish a maintenance and production facility for its BE-200 amphibian aircraft either in Malaysia or in the Asean region.

A maintenance and production plant could involve investments of up to US$50mil, he said.

We have recently appointed DRB-HICOM to market the BE-200 for us in South-East Asia. The BE-200 is scheduled for introduction in 2005. If DRB-HICOM can sell for us at least 10 BE-200s in the region, then it would be justified for us to set up the maintenance and components producing centre.

Our feedback indicates that there is a demand for at least 50 such aircraft in the region. We expect good sales as the aircraft, originally designed for fire-fighting purposes, can be easily modified for use in transporting cargo, performing search and rescue missions, and for patrolling, Fedorov said.

He added that DRB-HICOM was likely to be the joint-venture partner for the planned maintenance and production facility.

nWo SG

Malaysian National News Agency - BERNAMA

September 30, 2003 22:11 PM

RMN Receives First Super Lynx 300

LANGKAWI, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- A European aircraft manufacturer, Augusta Westland, Tuesday officially handed over the maritime offensive helicopter "Super Lynx 300" to the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) here.

The high-tech helicopter, the first of six ordered by the RMN at a total cost of RM700 million, was handed over at a signing ceremony between the Controller of the Royal British Navy, Nigel Guild, and RMN Chief Laksamana Datuk Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor.

Also present at the ceremony, held in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition here, were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Super Lynx 300, the most modern offensive helicopter in its class, will be piloted by Lt Komander Ajazi Jamaluddin and assisted by technical officer Lt Zamri Ismail.

The Super Lynx 300, equipped with digital glass cockpit, 360-degree scan radar, electronic support measures and forward-looking infra red for night operations, are expected to run from the RMN's F200 frigates like KD Lekir and KD Lekiu.

The helicopters, with a maximum speed of 175 knots, will also be equipped with high-tech weapons, including the guided missile "Sea Skua", and torpedoes.

-- BERNAMA

branzzz SG

wow.... as far as i know, this is the list of major systems i have knowledge of that malaysia is buying.

sukhoi fighters
super hornets
attack helicopters
surveillence helicopters
AWACS
maritime surveillence aircraft
new trainers

submarines
corvettes

anyone knows what else? what a modernisation program... makes me wonder whether they can even finance the air force part, or even half of it.

IAF SG

Spending public money and buying toys (and building mega projects) is the easy part (except on the taxpayers).

Realistically it'll take abt 10 years to develop a credible defense capability out of all these purchases. Are they willing to spend the money to recruit skilled ? We'll see abt that

The only one laughing in the end will be the arms salesmen.

|-|05| SG

They want AWACS but they are not getting it due to budget constraints.Or that was last i heard frm they’re minster of defence

nWo SG

Malaysian National News Agency - BERNAMA

October 02, 2003 21:59 PM

Bofors Defence Asia To Produce Guns For RMN And Asian Region

LANGKAWI, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- PSC-Defence Technologies (PSC-DT) and its foreign partner, Bofors AB of Sweden, have agreed to finalise the establishment of a joint venture company which would be named Bofors Defence Asia Sdn Bhd.

PSC-DT in a statement Thursday said that the new company would be Bofors hub in Asia and be given the license to manufacture the company's weapon spare parts for Malaysia and in the longer term for the Asian region.

"Bofors Defence Asia will be able to provide full integrated logistics support for all Bofors clients in Malaysia as well as in this region. This will certainly enhance the operational availability and reliability of Bofors guns with the Royal Malaysian Navy," it said.

PSC-DT, a subsidiary of Penang Shipbuilding and Construction Sdn Bhd and Bofors AB had earlier in the day signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Awana Porto Malai to pave the way for the cooperation.

The new company according to the statement, would endeavour to supply the new generation 57mm Mk3 guns and smart ammunition for future naval programme with a significant part of the production to be manufactured and assembled in Malaysia under license.

"Bofors Defence AB, through PSC-DT will provide assistance and facilities to produce Bofors smart 3P ammunition for 40mm and 57mm Mk3 gun in Malaysia," it said, adding that this effort would contribute greatly to the development of self reliance in the local defence industry.

Currently RMN's warships use various calibre of Bofors guns with two of its latest vessels, the KD Lekiu and KD Lekir choosing the 57Mk3 guns as their primary guns.

-- BERNAMA

nWo SG

Malaysian National News Agency - BERNAMA

Friday October 3, 2003

Government talking to Boeing to buy Super Hornets

LANGKAWI: Malaysia is negotiating with Boeing on the possibility of buying 18 F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter aircraft to replace the present batch of F/A-18D Hornet jets deployed by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) at its Butterworth base.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said there had to be lengthy discussions as the purchase would involve high cost.

The Super Hornet is considered among the best fighter jets in the world and is currently used by the United States Navy and Marines.

If Malaysia reaches a deal with Boeing on the purchase of the aircraft, which saw action in the Iraqi conflict, she will become the first other country to have the Super Hornet.

In a related development, Boeings F/A-18 programme president Anthony M. Parasida said the company was willing to offer a comprehensive package to seal the deal, which would include investments in the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC), transfer of technology and exposure of Malaysians to its highly-rated leadership programme.

Boeing is keen to work with Malaysia on sharing technology and among the channels we are exploring are investments in the MSC to develop Boeings software, bio-technology ventures and also joint-ventures with Boeings foundations and local universities, he added.

Parasida said both sides were currently working on a suitable financial package for the sale of the Super Hornet aircraft.

He said the Super Hornet was being offered to only seven countries which were Switzerland, Finland, Spain, Kuwait, Canada and Australia.

Parasida also said that the Super Hornets being offered to Malaysia would have the same avionic specifications as the aircraft being used by the US Navy.

tankee1981 SG

Looks like our military edge over the Malaysia is about to be seriously challeged! Confused

tiggersgd SG

its the people that gets involved in these weaponary that counts. in the short term, i don't think they can beat us to it. in the longer term, they will still be playing catch up with us and longer than that, they'll (weaponary) be obsolete and so the whole cycle starts all over again.

think abt that...

bcoy SG

Malaysia seems to make large purchases once every few years. In contrast, Singapore makes small purchases every year. Different ways of handling defense budgets?

nWo SG

Malaysian National News Agency - BERNAMA

October 03, 2003 09:05 AM

Malaysia Purchases 11 A-109M Surveillance Choppers

LANGKAWI, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Malaysia on Thursday agreed to purchase 11 A-109M surveillance helicopters by Italian firm Agusta Spa, a subsidiary of Agusta Westland, for the Army Air Wing Unit.

The Letter of Agreement was signed by Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Subhan Jasmon and Agusta Westland vice-president Bruno Spangollini at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre here.

The ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

When met at Awana Porto Malai, Najib said the helicopters were worth in total RM480 million (US$75 million) and they were expected to be delivered in two to three years.

"The purchase of the Agusta A-109M is to make the Army Air Wing operationally stronger," he said.

Najib said the helicopters could be equipped with various weapons suitable for surveillance, anti-tank and search and rescue operations and advanced training.

He said part of the purchase agreement involved the transfer of technology where Agusta Spa had agreed to set up a helicopter maintenance centre in the country.

Aside from the Defence Ministry, two of the helicopters would also be used by the Fire and Rescue Department, he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry also signed a purchase agreement worth RM24 million on spare parts for its warship A244-S torpedoes from Whitehead Alenia.

Another agreement with local company Mutiara Dominasi Sdn Bhd involved the purchase of the Action Speed Tactical Trainer simulator worth RM24.3 million which would be used for training by Royal Malaysian Navy personnel starting 2005, Najib said.

-- BERNAMA

foxtrout8 SG

Malaysian governmental way of purchases is very different from Singapore. In Singapore 1) we have to convince alot of people , go through alot of red-tapes and then evaluate hell long for something new but extremely vital for our armed force. Take the NGF for that example. 2) Some wanted purchases had been selected long ago but some big shots find that it will onli be purchased when the time is right. Take the Apache for example. 3) Some purchases had been identified but some big shots will like it to be indigenously made. The process of DIY is long and expensive. Take the Bionix for example.

Malaysia style is simply buying anything that they find it worth and affordable. They will not care whelther is it political sensitive. They dun even care whelther can they support it in the long run. They are practically playing a walk one step , look one step theory with a dream in mind.

Anyway the main reason y malaysia are having more purchases than Singapore now is because they are trying to catch up with us , not the opposite. Singapore can sit down and evaluate for a good plateform carefully . After the deal is strike , malaysia will still have to run another lap to catch up with us. In short , they will most likely be behind us.

|-|05| SG

Originally posted by nWo:
Malaysian National News Agency - BERNAMA

October 02, 2003 21:59 PM

[b]Bofors Defence Asia To Produce Guns For RMN And Asian Region

LANGKAWI, Oct 2 (Bernama) -- PSC-Defence Technologies (PSC-DT) and its foreign partner, Bofors AB of Sweden, have agreed to finalise the establishment of a joint venture company which would be named Bofors Defence Asia Sdn Bhd.

PSC-DT in a statement Thursday said that the new company would be Bofors hub in Asia and be given the license to manufacture the company's weapon spare parts for Malaysia and in the longer term for the Asian region.

"Bofors Defence Asia will be able to provide full integrated logistics support for all Bofors clients in Malaysia as well as in this region. This will certainly enhance the operational availability and reliability of Bofors guns with the Royal Malaysian Navy," it said.

PSC-DT, a subsidiary of Penang Shipbuilding and Construction Sdn Bhd and Bofors AB had earlier in the day signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Awana Porto Malai to pave the way for the cooperation.

The new company according to the statement, would endeavour to supply the new generation 57mm Mk3 guns and smart ammunition for future naval programme with a significant part of the production to be manufactured and assembled in Malaysia under license.

"Bofors Defence AB, through PSC-DT will provide assistance and facilities to produce Bofors smart 3P ammunition for 40mm and 57mm Mk3 gun in Malaysia," it said, adding that this effort would contribute greatly to the development of self reliance in the local defence industry.

Currently RMN's warships use various calibre of Bofors guns with two of its latest vessels, the KD Lekiu and KD Lekir choosing the 57Mk3 guns as their primary guns.

-- BERNAMA
[/b]

Interesting since we are currently the Bofor's distribution hub for the reigon(well kinda of).....And the biggest buyer from Sweden.Guess Bofors will make more money this way then the current arrangement.