Future fighter must match Malaysia's defence needs, not prestige
KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will base its future multi-role combat aircraft requirement on capabilities that match Malaysia’s defence stance and operational needs, rather than simply pursuing the most advanced fighter technology available.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is prioritizing capabilities that align with Malaysia's defensive stance and operational needs when selecting its future multi-role combat aircraft, rather than focusing solely on advanced technology. RMAF Chief General Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris emphasized that the decision should be based on the country's defensive posture, which is primarily focused on protecting sovereignty and airspace.
He stressed that the aircraft must be capable of fulfilling specific roles, rather than being chosen for prestige. Norazlan also noted that RMAF is reevaluating the traditional approach to determining fighter fleet size, moving away from a focus on quantity to assessing the actual capability a fleet can deliver. This shift is in line with the development of modern multi-role fighters capable of performing various missions, potentially reducing the number of aircraft needed to achieve the desired operational effect.
The approach is intended to ensure Malaysia develops its air power in a realistic and sustainable manner, building capabilities incrementally from essential requirements.
Brief written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
