Hi people,
I think before we start a flame war across the (Johor) straits,
lets examine what this purchase implies in terms of
1. balance of power in the region
2. RSAF responses
3. RTAF responses
etc.
I think there are a few things we can learn from this purchase, one
being that Malaysians (and Indonesians) are more willingly to
purchase Russian made equipments regardless of logistical
issues.
On paper, SU 30 MK series version is very potent. It has all the
flight characteristics of the SU27 plus the additional thrust
vectoring... (cannot confirm if this is true on the RMAF MKM
version but certainly true on the Indian MKI version). The avionics
suite may also include the French Thales stuffs. All these make the
aircraft the most sophisticated fighter in the region.
So the question now is "What will the 18 SU-30 MKM do to the
balance of power in the SEA region?" My guess is that, all of a
sudden, you will see RMAF sticking a claim to be the most advanced
air-force in the region. They would probably claim that they are
equal if not better than both RSAF and RTAF.
So what will be the responses from these two air-forces? I don't
really know. But as for RSAF, the next generation fighter,
presumedly a Euro canard, should theoretically match, if not better
the SU-30. Both RSAF and RTAF Vipers, in my view, can still be
upgraded with the latest Active Array radars, request US to release
the Amraams and match the SUs in BVR shoot outs. I also believe
that Vipers can still hold their own, when properly employed, in
dogfights. I also see the needs of RSAF to give each Viper a
targeting pod in the form of either the Israeli made Litening
II/III or the Sniper XR pod.
I also believe that the skills of the pilots, plus the logisitic
maintenance of the aircrafts will determine who is stronger at the
end of the day.
For RMAF to acquire, firstly the Mig29, then the F-18Ds, then now
the Su-30, and later the F-18E/Fs, not to forget the Hawks too, man
oh man, it will definitely be a logistical nightmare.
On the other hand, I also see the needs for RSAF to carefully
choose the next gen fighter. I would say that Rafales and Typhoons
would be my choice given that the Strike Eagles and the Super bugs
do not present much advantage over the Sukhois.
Just my 2 cents.
