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Writer Discusses Malaysian Air Force, Navy's "Defence Assets"
BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific, 2007-12-17

Text of report in English by Malaysian official news agency Bernama website
[Article by Shuhaida Mohd Said from the "General" page: "Sophisticated Defence Assets Strengthen Nation's Security"]

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 15 (Bernama) - After 50 years of independence, Malaysia finally has a credible defence system with the acquisition of sophisticated assets that have boosted the combat power of the Malaysian armed forces (MAF).

Acquiring modern defence technology in the form of the Sukhoi SU- 30MKM multi-role combat aircraft this year, recognised as among the most sophisticated in the region, will provide maximum impact to efforts aimed at propping up the nation's defence.

The Sukhoi's multi-role functions from air defence to ground and maritime attack give it advantage in surveillance operations in times of peace and war.

The aircraft can fly over 3,000km with normal fuel reserve and the distance can be extended to 8,000km with mid-air refuelling, deterring others out to challenge the nation's sovereignty and security.

International defence analysts agreed that the Sukhois purchased from Russia at RM3.42 billion in May 2003 would alter the strategic balance in South-east Asia.

The 18 Sukhois of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are an addition to the 16 Russian-made MIG-29 Fulcrum and eight United States-made F/A-18 Hornet aircraft.

With the airspace secured, the government also moved to strengthen its maritime territories by upgrading the capability of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) with the purchase of two French-made Scorpene submarines.

Built by Defence Conseil National (DCN) of France and partner Navantia of Spain, the Scorpenes will complement the RMN's capability in a four dimensional war - surface, sub-surface, air and electronic.

The first Scorpene accorded the Prime Minister class, the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman, was launched in October and expected to be delivered in January 2009, arriving six months later.
The second Scorpene named KD Tun Razak is scheduled for delivery in October 2009, arriving in March 2010.

The Scorpene can travel at 20 knots and is equipped with the latest and most sophisticated navigational system, SUBTICS combat system, sub-surface to surface missiles, torpedoes and landmines.

Bought at 1.04 billion Euro (about RM3.4 billion), the Scorpenes can operate at depths of 350 metres for 40 continuous days, making them suitable for deployment in the South China Sea or the Straits of Melaka.

Other than the purchase of sophisticated defence equipment, the MAF had also been entrusted by the United Nations (UN) to join its peacekeeping forces in several troubled states.
The success of Malcon I in the UN Interim Team in Lebanon (Unifil), for instance, proved the high level of professionalism, discipline and credibility of the MAF.

The 360-member team which returned in October was replaced by Malcon II comprising 278 members, including eight women and 16 officers, who were sent to Beirut nine months later.
The third group from MAF's Medical Unit also did the country proud when stationed in Western Sahara, they treated thousands of refugees, the population and soldiers injured in the armed conflict there.

Originally published by Bernama website, Kuala Lumpur, in English 0302 15 Dec 07.
(c) 2007 BBC Monitoring Asia Pacific. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
Publication Date: 2007-12-17
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