The HAL Tejas is among the candidates for the RMAF LCA program. |
The Malaysian government is expected to start the procurement process by first quarter of 2020 for up to 36 light combat aircraft (LCA), which will double as lead-in fighter trainers (LIFT) for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
An option for up to 26 more units is also being considered, as the new aircraft would replace several aircraft in service with the RMAF including the BAE Hawk 108/208, Aermachhi MB-339, as well as the RAC MiG-29N/NUB Fulcrum.
The new aircraft will also reinforce the RMAF’s existing fleet of multi-role fighters including the Sukhoi Su-30MKM and Boeing F/A-18D Hornet.
According to Jane’s interview with a Malaysian official, the selection of a new LCA/LIFT will be based on the aircraft’s ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, with a future maritime strike capability, and is economically viable to allow the acquisition of enough units to be able to conduct operations in two theatres simultaneously at a very short notice.
Among those being considered for the selection are the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Tejas Mk.1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) FA-50 Fighting Eagle, Saab JAS-39C/D Gripen, Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC)/Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) JF-17 Thunder, Leonardo M-346FA, Yakolev Yak-130 Mitten, Aero Vodochody L-39NG and CAC L-15A/B.
Previous reports indicated that the Malaysian government encountered some problems in finding funding for these aircraft, which replaced an earlier more costly plan to acquire high performance combat aircraft to replace the MiG-29 Fulcrum fleet.
[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Flight Global
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