Malaysia's BrahMos missile acquisition remains at exploratory stage
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s proposed acquisition of India’s BrahMos supersonic cruise missile remains at the exploratory stage, with no decision made on the procurement.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's consideration of acquiring India's BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is still in the exploratory phase, with no final decision yet made. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that the proposal was first raised during initial government-level talks alongside Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's visit to India in September.
For any potential acquisition, Khaled stated that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) would conduct an extensive technical assessment. This evaluation would focus on the missile's compatibility and integration with the RMAF's Su-30MKM fighter jets, encompassing operational needs, compatibility with existing platforms, systems integration, upgrade requirements, and life-cycle costs.
Khaled elaborated that incorporating the BrahMos missile with the Su-30MKM would necessitate thorough technical scrutiny, including potential aircraft modifications, testing, and validation. He noted that these processes usually take a significant amount of time before the capability becomes fully operational.
Malaysia reportedly entered exploratory discussions about acquiring the BrahMos system as part of broader efforts to enhance defence and strategic cooperation with India. During a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Anwar mentioned that the potential acquisition was discussed during their bilateral talks. He further clarified that the ultimate decision would hinge on the armed forces' operational and technical requirements.
The BrahMos missile, a long-range, ramjet-powered supersonic cruise missile, is jointly developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya via their joint venture, BrahMos Aerospace. Capable of being launched from land-based mobile platforms, warships, submarines, and fighter aircraft, the missile provides precision-strike capabilities against targets at sea and on land.
For India, BrahMos represents one of its flagship defence exports, aiding its endeavors to broaden its global arms market and consolidate defence partnerships with allied nations.
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