Malaysia Considering Acquisitions of Advanced Russian Su-57, Su-35 and MiG-35 Fighters - Prime Minister Mahathir
alaysia’s Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has elaborated on the country’s plans to modernise its Air Force, stating that the country was actively considering replacing older fourth generation MiG-29 and ‘4+ generation’ Su-30MKM fighters with next generation platforms. This comes amid moves by neighbouring Singapore and Indonesia to acquire new fighters of their own with next generation capabilities - the F-35A and Su-35 respectively. In an interview with Russian state media, the Prime Minister stated: “We may find that they (jets that are currently used by Malaysia) are too old and maybe not performing just as well as the new versions. But, on the other hand, money is of great concern to us. Spending money on expensive fighter planes is not very productive for us… We are not going to war with anyone.”
When asked whether Malaysia would consider acquiring Russia’s latest air superiority fighters, the Su-35 and Su-57, the Prime Minister emphasised that while they were “very expensive toys,” it was essential for the Southeast Asian state to keep its armaments up to date and the possibility was being explored. He further highlighted the possibility of acquiring the lighter ‘4++ generation’ MiG-35 fighters - a platform which entered service in the Russian Air Force only in June 2019. Russia reportedly offered to purchase Malaysia’s ageing MiG-29 fighters if the funds were used to help pay for the MiG-35. The MiG-35’s extremely low operational costs, its compatibility with the MiG-29’s maintenance infrastructure already in place, and its access to advanced munitions including new R-37M hypersonic air to air missiles, make it a potentially attractive choice.
Speaking regarding the possibility of a MiG-35 purchase, Prime Minister Mahathir stated: “We are actually studying their proposal about taking back the old MiGs and providing us with the new version, MiG-35, I think. But, of course, even then we would have to pay quite a large sum of money. And Malaysia is not a country that spends too much money on defence. Only 2% of our budget is spent on defence. We spend 25% of our budget on education.” While Malaysia has minor territorial disputes with China, the country’s Prime Minister has been highly critical of American military exercises in Southeast Asia as provocations inflaming regional tensions. He instead called on the U.S. to hold drills in its own waters. Whether Malaysia will look to purchase new Russian fighters remains uncertain, but with a large Singaporean order for F-35A fighters expected this could prompt a purchase of more capable fighters such as the Su-57 to maintain a favourable balance of power. The Su-35 also holds some appeal as a lower cost alternative to the Su-57, one which has several commonalities with the Su-30MKM currently in service which will make it easier to integrate into the Malaysian fleet.
(MilitaryWatchMagz)
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