Defence Business: LIMA: focus on fighters | ADM May 2013

The 12th Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition was held on the Malaysian resort island of Langkawi between 26th and 30th March and attracted over 70 aircraft from eight countries, and 64 warships and boats.

With a Royal Malaysian Air Force requirement to replace its Mig-29Ns looming, LIMA 2013 was always going to be a fighter show, and so it proved to be. All four western fighter manufacturers were there in force: Boeing (Super Hornet), Dassault (Rafale), Eurofighter (Typhoon) and SAAB (Gripen). All four aircraft participated in the flying display and their manufacturers were prominent in the adjacent Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

A fifth contender is the Sukhoi Su-30, already operated by Malaysia, and both Sukhoi and the Russian Arms export company Rosoboronexport had a major presence at the show.

Although there is not yet a formal competition, the forthcoming Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) requirement will seek 18 combat jets by the end of 2015. Malaysia began to look at a MiG-29 replacement a few years ago, but a decision to extend their lives beyond the end of 2009 was taken and the program put on hold.

Local industry participation will form a major part of any deal and all four western manufacturers are either actively engaging or considering their engagement with, Malaysian industry.

BAE Systems, the Eurofighter lead in Malaysia, has been working with local industry for 30 years and points to its ongoing relationship with Composites Technology Research Malaysia (composite components) and SME Aerospace (sole supplier of Hawk weapons pylons) as examples of their commitment. Both have recently been accredited by a BAE Systems supplier accreditation team for potential Typhoon work.

“We have made a real commitment to work with Malaysian industry on real and not hypothetical programs,” BAE Systems’ Managing Director – Combat Air, Mark Kane, said. “We plan to have an enduring relationship for the next 30 years, as we have had over the last 30.”

Boeing is offering its latest Block 2 Super Hornet, but is yet to announce industrial intentions. Mike Gibbons, Vice President F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs, however points to its relationship built up through Malaysia’s earlier purchase of eight F/A-18D Hornets.

“We are getting close to a decision on what we would do for industrial participation, in terms of sustainable high-quality work,” he said. “We are working with the Malaysian Government on capital development, training and education of the workforce. Vocational training is important.”

Fresh from recent success in the Indian Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, Dassault Aviation (who, together with Snecma and Thales, forms Rafale International) announced a further Memorandum of Understanding with local industry at the show, adding to the 10 or more active collaborations it already has in place.

The latest MoU, signed with Strand Aerospace Malaysia, aims to contribute to Malaysia’s capability to participate in the global aerospace industry supply chain.

“Rafale International is focussed on developing long-term strategic partnerships that are sustainable,” explained Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation and Rafale International. “We believe in planning, commitment and investment as the key driver of our relationship with Malaysia.”

Two JAS-39C Gripens from the Royal Thai Air Force were on display at LIMA and SAAB has previously had discussions with Malaysia for a fighter/AEW&C (and perhaps even maritime patrol) package, built around Gripen and SAAB 340 variants, similar to that being delivered to Thailand.

It signed an MoU at LIMA with DRB-HICOM, for co-operation on areas of technology transfer and follows an Industrial Co-operation Teaming agreement to collaborate on an AEW&C system.

“Our industry program is being led by the AEW&C proposal,” said Kaj Rosander, SAAB’s Vice President Gripen Export Asia. “The MoU signed yesterday is an added effort to broaden and deepen the existing relationship between both companies.”

However the recent insurgent action in the East Malaysian state of Sabah, on Borneo, has also sharpened the focus on Maritime Surveillance and Malaysian Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made several capability upgrade announcements at LIMA 2013.

Several of the RMAF’s ageing Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri transport helicopters will be upgraded with glass cockpits, new rotor blades and beefed up transmissions to allow them to remain in service for several more years. Nuris were used extensively during Operation Daulat, the response to the recent insurgency, and Minister Zahid also flagged the possibility of some being transferred to the Malaysian Army, and some sold overseas.

Zahid also said that two fixed wing aircraft and three helicopters from Malaysia’s armed forces will be reconfigured to carry out maritime patrol of the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (Esszone), created in the wake of Operation Daulat.

Although he would not specify which platforms will be selected or how they will be modified, he indicated they would be completed under a fast-track program and also promised further equipment purchases.