"Su-30MKM will serve until 2040": Malaysia is carrying out its own modernization of fighters before replacing them

The Malaysian military is satisfied with the Su-30MKM, but maintaining the vehicles in service requires repair and modernization of the existing fleet of fighters.

Malaysian Su-30MKM aircraft, which began operating in the Air Force in 2007, are undergoing SLEP (Life Extension) and MLU (Medium Level Modernization) programs, "the implementation of which will keep the country's main fighters in service until 2040."

When it appeared in the country's Air Force, the Su-30MKM, described as a hybrid fighter that combines Russian and French technologies, was recognized as the most advanced aircraft in the Southeast Asia region.

- indicated in the publication Defense Security Asia.

Now serving 18 Su-30MKM stationed at the Gong Kedak airbase in Terengganu.

Now the Su-30MKM is about 17 years old, and in order for the country's main fighter to continue to fight any future threats, a program of gradual modernization of all 18 fighters began two years ago.

- explained in the publication.

The cost of upgrading (extending the life of the airframe, its avionics, weapon systems, and engine overhaul) will cost $ 520 million, but “it's cheaper because repairs are done on site, compared to the cost that is expected to rise if we we will send the Su-30MKM aircraft to Russia. " The first Su-30MKM, which went through the work, was officially transferred to the Air Force two years ago, and then several more machines.

As noted, the repair work is carried out by ATSC. It has a subsidiary NADI [apparently acting as a subcontractor] (70% of the shares are held by ATSC, 25% by RSK MiG and 5% by Rosoboronexport). ATSC is said to have extensive experience with the Su-30MKM and MiG-29N aircraft.

Another Air Force F / A-18D Hornet will undergo a 12-year domestic maintenance program. Then, in 2030-2035, it is planned to purchase new aircraft to replace the F / A-18D, and in 2036-2040 - to replace the Su-30MKM.

Comments

[Victor_B]

Now the Su-30MKM is about 17 years old, and in order for the country's main fighter to continue to fight any future threats, a program of gradual modernization of all 18 fighters began two years ago.

The main thing is not to screw up ...
And then Russia will be to blame.

[Seryoga64]

Quote: Victor_B

The main thing is not to screw up ...

And these are their problems
Although they shouldn't

As noted, the repair work is carried out by ATSC. It has a subsidiary NADI [apparently acting as a subcontractor] (70% of the shares are held by ATSC, 25% by RSK MiG and 5% by Rosoboronexport). ATSC is said to have extensive experience with the Su-30MKM and MiG-29N aircraft.

[Anachoret]

The car is good and the more customers praise it and successfully upgrade it, the more attention will be from other buyers and to other proposals from Rosoboronexport)

[Zaurbek]

You need to show your Su30SM2 as soon as possible .... so that customers can see the fruits of factory modernization

[voyaka uh]

It's right...
And then competitors are not asleep:
The Philippines chose Gripen, the Finns - the F-35, the Emirates - Rafal.
Only Algeria is loyal to Russia. And Egypt does not fail either.

[Zaurbek]

An analogue was made by the USA F15eh

[Charik]

Since it is European equipment, it means that European weapons can also be used from them?

[Zaurbek]

Our radar and our weapon…. Imported sighting container…. And bombs and missiles may not be ours

[Alf]

combining Russian and French technologies,

And the guardians have something to do with it?

[Falcon iba]

The ability to overhaul and extend life on site (no flight to the factory) is cool. This is a huge plus for the export of aircraft!

[Alf]

Quote: Falcon IBA

The ability to carry out overhauls and extend the service life on site (without a flight to the manufacturer) is cool

How ? The fact that for repair each bolt will have to be brought from the country of the manufacturer?

[Charik]

And their bolts or where to buy them closer - they do not know how?

[Alf]

Quote: Charik

And their bolts or where to buy them closer - they do not know how?

Here is such a small thing - metric thread or inch. Or where on the islands to get the split sliding part of the lantern?
Let me give you an example. Before the war, Fokker decided to create a fighter for the colonies. Edward Schatzky created an excellent aircraft, with retractable landing gear, cannon armament and other newfangled gizmos, but the owner of the company hacked all this splendor to death on the grounds that to repair this aircraft every little thing would have to be taken from the Metropolis and ordered to create an aircraft based on the capabilities of the local repair plant. This is how the Fokker D-21 turned out. With the Su-30, the same story may well happen, and no one has yet canceled the sanctions from Uncle Sam for the sale of spare parts.