Posted: 27 May 2003 08:19 pm Post subject: TUDM beli 17 ex RNZAF
MB339C
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May 27 , 2003 19:04PM
M'sia Accepts New Zealand's Offer To Sell 17 Aermacchi
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has accepted an offer by
the New Zealand Air Force to sell 17 of its Aermacchi jet fighters
and trainer aircraft, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun
Razak Tuesday.
He said Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) was short of trainers and
the purchase of the Italian-made jet trainers from New Zealand air
force would overcome the problem.
"The project is being looked into by the Finance Ministry. We see
an opportunity to acquire more trainers," he told reporters at the
Subang RMAF base, here.
Earlier, he accompanied the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed
Sirajuddin Syed Putra Jamalullail on a visit to the air force
base.
New Zealand recently offered the 17 Aermacchi MB-339 to Malaysia
after its parliament decided to rely on Australia to protect its
air space and to downsize its air defence capability.
Najib said the Aermacchi aircraft used by the New Zealand Air Force
was similar to eight of the 12 aircraft which the RMAF bought from
Italy in 1983.
The decision to buy the 17 Aermacchi was to train more combat
pilots for Malaysia's fleet of jet fighters such as Su-30MKM and
MiG-29, both Russian made, FA 18D Hornet and Hawks.
He said existing RMAF bases nationwide would be expanded and
modernised to accommodate its large fleet of jet fighters.
"We will not build new bases because we have enough. The SU-30 will
be stationed in Gong Kedak, Terengganu," he said.
-- BERNAMA