RMAF gears up for first FA-50M fighters this Friday

 

Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris. FILE PIC

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is prepared for the arrival of its FA-50M light combat aircraft, with the necessary infrastructure, personnel and maintenance support in place.

Its chief, General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris, said the designated squadron had been relocated, while its personnel had completed the necessary training to operate the air force's latest fighter aircraft.

"The No. 15 Squadron has been relocated to Kuantan Air Base, while pilots and technical personnel have undergone specialised training in South Korea.

"The first two aircraft are expected to arrive this week, while all 18 FA-50M aircraft are scheduled to be delivered by March 2028," he told the New Straits Times.

Earlier, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia would receive its first two FA-50M light combat aircraft on Friday as part of efforts to strengthen its air combat capabilities.

Meanwhile, Norazlan added that the FA-50M, equipped with active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, modern avionics, advanced targeting systems and precision-strike capabilities, will enhance the RMAF's air defence, combat training and strike capabilities.

"The aircraft would complement, rather than replace, the RMAF's existing Sukhoi Su-30MKM and F/A-18D Hornet fighter aircraft.

"The addition of the FA-50M would provide greater combat capacity and operational flexibility, allowing the RMAF to allocate its aircraft more effectively according to mission requirements," he said.

On the FA-50M's operational readiness, Norazlan said the timelines for achieving initial operational capability (IOC) and full operational capability (FOC) would depend on aircraft deliveries, personnel training, system integration and operational evaluation.

"We will ensure the aircraft meet the required operational standards before declaring the respective milestones.

"The acquisition of the 18 FA-50M aircraft is part of the RMAF's long-term modernisation efforts under the Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55)," he said.

In May 2023, the Defence Ministry and South Korean firm Korea Aerospace Industry signed a contract worth nearly RM4 billion for the procurement of 18 FA-50 Block 20 light combat aircraft, specifically designated as the FA-50M.

The variant was reported to be more advanced and capable than the FA-50s operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force and other nations including Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia. - NST