PHOTOS: USAF-RMAF mixed formation air-to-air photos at Cope Taufan

Now this is something you don't see every day. A mixed formation air-to-air photo shoot comprising of United States Air Force F-15C Eagle and F-22A Raptor alongside Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Su-30MKM Flanker, MiG-29NUB Fulcrum, F/A-18D Hornet and BAe Hawk 108 over Georgetown, Malaysia, on June 18, 2014. USAF F-15s from the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Barnes Air National Guard Base, Mass and F-22s from the 154th Wing, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii sre currently in Malaysia for Exercise Cope Taufan 14, a biennial large force employment exercise taking place June 9 to 20 designed to improve U.S. and Malaysian combined readiness. (All photos U.S. Air Force by Tech. Sgt. Jason Robertson/Released)

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Malaysia shows ECM pods, missiles for its Su-30s for the first time

Click on image for high resolution. Image © Iwan from Malaysianwings

The above photo was snapped by Malaysian plane spotter Iwan during the Malaysian Armed Forces 80th Anniversary Parade held at Malaysia's capital Kuala Lumpur on the 21st of September 2013. This aircraft, serialled M52-03, was one of 4 Sukhoi Su-30MKM Flankers that took part in a flypast held in conjunction with the parade. What is interesting about this aircraft is that it shows in public, for the first time, the Russian Knirti SPS-171 / L005S Sorbtsiya-S mid/high band defensive jammer pods Malaysia was known to have purchased with its Flankers.

Also on show, albeit mounted on flatbed trailers towed by prime movers as part of the ground portion of the parade, were several types of advanced missiles, also for the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia's (Royal Malaysian Air Force) Su-30MKMs. Noted were the Vympel R-77 medium range active radar-guided air-to-air missile, Raduga Kh-59ME and Molniya Kh-29TE air-to-surface missiles and the Zvezda Kh-31P Anti-Radiation Missile, the latter the equivalent of the AGM-88 HARM (High Speed Anti-Radiation Missile) for use against enemy radars in the Suppression/Destruction of Enemy Air Defence role.

These equipment were known to have been ordered by Malaysia in the original contract for the TUDM's 18 Su-30MKMs signed in 2003, with the first aircraft being delivered in 2007 with deliveries completed in 2009. All 18 aircraft serve with the TUDM's 11 Skuadron at Gong Kedak Airbase in the northeastern part of Peninsular Malaysia.

Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 25 Sept 2013

TNI-AU (Indonesian Air Force) Su-30MK2

Indonesia now has a full squadron of Sukhoi Su-27/30s after the last aircraft were accepted into the TNI-AU.

Bernama has reported that the recently unveiled Advanced Super Hornet would be offered for Malaysia's Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition. However Jane's Malaysia correspondent Dzirhan Mahadzir has said that Boeing has offered the Advanced Super Hornet upgrade if Malaysia wants them down the line after acquiring regular Super Hornet airframes.

The first of 12 Lockheed-Martin P-3C Orions for Taiwan has arrived at Pingtung Airbase from Guam yesterday.

Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 09 Sept 2013

Royal Malaysian Air Force MiG-29N

And the drip-drip of escalation has just went up a notch. Japan's Ministry of Defence has said that JASDF has scrambled fighters to intercept two H-6 bombers belonging to the Chinese Navy transiting through the Miyako Straits on Sunday. This was followed by the interception of an unidentified unmanned aircraft near the disputed Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands on Monday.

Looks like Malaysia's plan for a new fighter to replace its MiG-29s have been put on hold. The replacement was due to come on board by 2015 so as to allow the MiGs to be retired.

The deal for China to purchase the Sukhoi Su-35 should be concluded sometime in 2014, according to Russian sources.

Malaysia offered leased Gripens from Sweden as its next fighter

Reports out of Malaysia has the country's Air Force chief saying that Malaysia is considering a Swedish offer of leasing 18 Saab Gripens for the Royal Malaysian Air Force's upcoming Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) contract.

Malaysia's combat fleet currently comprises of eight Boeing F/A-18D Hornets, 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM and a smaller number of MiG-29N/NUBs. The Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, more Sukhoi Su-30MKMs and Saab Gripen are currently in the running in the MRCA competition, which is due to be decided in 2013.

USAF F-15Cs train with Malaysian Su-30MKMs for the first time

Interesting, Flightglobal's Dave Majumdar, blogging in the DEW Line, reports that the USAF's Kadena-based F-15Cs went head-to-head with the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-30MKMs Flankers at Exercise Cope Taufan over Malaysia in April this year.

The original Cope Taufan press release by Pacific Air Forces mentioned RMAF MiG-29s, F/A-18D Hornets and Hawk 208s, but no Su-30s.

Royal Malaysian Air Force Open House, Subang, 3rd June 2012

If you're in, or planning to be in the Kuala Lumpur area in Malaysia this coming Sunday, pop by into nearby RMAF Subang where the Tentera Diradja Udara Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) is holding an Open Day to commemorate it's 54th Anniversary. MiG-29s, F/A-18Ds and Su-30MKMs will be on show, with many others! Thanks to Dzirhan Mahadzir for the heads up!

Malaysia signs deal for R-77 AAMs to equip Su-30 fleet

Malaysia has placed a US$35 million order for 35 Vympel R-77 RVV-AE (NATO: AA-12 Adder) air-to-air missiles with Russia's Rosboronexport. The missiles will arm the Royal Malaysian Air Force's fleet of 18 Su-30MKM Flanker interceptors.

Airbus A400M to make Asian debut with 3-nation tour

Airbus Military has announced that its A400M Grizzly new generation airlifter will carry out an Asian tour between April 14 and 20. During this time the aircraft will visit Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has ordered 4 aircraft, due to be delivered in 2015.

USAF, RMAF conducting Ex. Cope Taufan 2012

The U.S. Air Force and Royal Malaysian Air Force are currently taking part in Exercise Cope Taufan 2012 at RMAF Butterworth, Malaysia. F-15C/D Eagles of the 67th Fighter Squadron from Kadena, Okinawa are taking part with alongside MiG-29 Fulcrums, F/A-18 Hornets and Hawk 208 aircraft of the RMAF.

PHOTOS: F-15s, F-16s and MiG-29s at Singapore Airshow 2012

I've just uploaded 8 photos of the star attractions of the aerial display at the recent Singapore Airshow; the Republic of Singapore Air Force's F-15SG/F-16C joint display and the MiG-29Ns of the Royal Malaysian Air Force's Smokey Bandits display team.

Shooting the aerial display was a tricky undertaking at best, for while the moist tropical air provided some spectacular condensation effects as the performers pulled Gs, the timing of the display (literally at High Noon) and a display line directly to the north of the crowd made for some tricky lighting. Coupled with moderately heavy and fast moving cloud cover meant the sun was repeatedly ducking in and out of the overcast. Many shots which would have otherwise been great (IMO) were thus ruined into a pasty grey mess.

Still, I spent a thoroughly enjoyable few days at the show, catching the RMAF's first appearance at an airshow in Singapore for (give or take) 2 decades made the trip worthwhile!

PHOTO: Northrop retro; F-20 Tigershark, RF-5E Tigereye & F-5F Tiger II

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Happened across this photo during one of my trawls of the web and thought this one is definitely interesting and esoteric enough to warrant a post. Probably (obviously?) a Northrop publicity photo showing Northrop F-20 Tigershark prototype (82-0062) leading a pair of Tiger IIs. The further aircraft is a Royal Malaysian Air Force RF-5E Tigereye (I believe M29-20/80-0334 which was delivered to the RMAF in late 1983 while the nearer aircraft is Northrop's in-house F-5F Tiger II twin-seater N9139Y which served as a chase plane for the F-20 program.

In a twist of fate, F-5F N9139Y ended up a stone's throw away from RF-5E M29-20, for when the F-20 program was cancelled in late 1986, Malaysia's neighbour Singapore purchased the aircraft together with 2 other F-5Fs as part of its last batch of two-seaters. This F-5F was assigned the USAF serial 86-0388 (RSAF serial 862) and delivered to Singapore via Prestwick, Scotland in 1987 carrying a hybrid Northrop paint scheme and RSAF roundels/serials. Both aircraft are still in service today with their respective owners, with the twin-seater having been upgraded by Singapore Technologies Aerospace to F-5T standard with new radar and avionics.

PHOTOS: Malaysian AF MiG-29 in 17 Skuadron 53rd anniversary tailart

Photos © Roy R.X. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution images.

Roy RX has kindly sent us these two photos of a Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) MiG-29 'Fulcrum' serialled M43-03 carrying striking commemorative tailart marking the 53rd anniversary of it's unit, Kuantan-based 17 Skuadron. The MiG-29 is a participant at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, which will run from the 6th to the 10th of December at Langkawi, Malaysia. Malaysia is seeking to replace it's MiG-29 fleet by 2015 with next generation multi-role fighters.

Malaysia's fighter contest intensifies ahead of LIMA air show

Royal Malaysian Air Force MiG-29s. Click on thumbnail to view high-resolution image. (Photo © Commonwealth of Australia)

Greg Waldron of Flightglobal's Singapore office has a piece out on Malaysia's bid to replace a number of elderly combat aircraft types. Against the backdrop of increased regional tensions over territorial and resource exploration rights, analysts anticipate that the Royal Malaysian Air Force will face the challenge of shifting its focus from air defence to project airpower to enforce its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Contenders for the requirement include the Boeing F/A-18 E/F, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Saab Gripen with the French-built Dassault Rafale reportedly also considering throwing its hat into the ring.

Australia, Malaysia and Indonesia to purchase planes; missiles from US

Looks like the region is busy shopping for arms. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency has notified Congress of possible foreign military sales to three Asia-Pacific air forces for aircraft and missiles within the past week; with Malaysia acquiring AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, presumably for its 8 F/A-18D Hornets, while another step has been taken in the protracted Indonesian purchase of 24 refurbished and upgraded ex-USAF/ANG Block 25 F-16C/Ds and finally, Australia, with its actions showing what it thinks of the C-17 Globemaster III, is ordering a 6th aircraft, its second repeat order of the versatile transport.

Russian press: Malaysia to announce purchase of 18 more Su-30s

RMAF Su-30MKM thunders off the runway. Photo © Chenjun. Click on thumbnail to see high-res image on airliners.net

Russian state-owned news agency RIA Novosti, quoting Russian daily Izvestia, has claimed that Malaysia may sign a contract to buy 18 more Su-30MKM multirole fighters when Malaysian Defense Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi visits the Irkut aviation plant today. It also reports that the Malaysian defense minister also plans to discuss integrating new missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles jointly developed by Russia and India, on the Su-30MKMs already operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

However, Malaysian defence journalist Dzirhan Mahadzir, writing in his Twitter feed, feels that an additional Sukhoi order now is unlikely, although the chances of Brahmos may be more likely. I tend to agree on this, there has little indication from Malaysia that more Su-30 purchases in the short term are forthcoming, although I can see Malaysia being keen on further batches of Su-30MKMs in the future.

The Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) currently operates 18 Su-30MKMs with Gong Kedak-based 11 Skuadron.

Singapore Hosts FPDA Joint Exercise

Singapore's Ministry of Defence has announced that Singapore is hosting Exercise Bersama Lima, a major Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) joint exercise involving air, maritime and land forces from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The exercise, held from 17 Oct to 4 Nov 2011, will involve about 4000 personnel, 68 aircraft, 18 ships, two submarines and various support elements from the FPDA member nations.

In addition to the Field Training Exercise (FTX), this year's Bersama Lima, which marks 40 years of the FPDA, will include a shore phase held at the Command and Control Centre of Singapore's Changi Naval Base. A two-day humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) workshop involving other government departments and non-governmental organisations will be conducted in conjunction with the exercise.

Meanwhile the Australian Defence Department has already put up photos of an air-to-air Photo Op between a Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18A Hornet of the RAAF's 75 Sqn together with a MiG-29 Fulcrum and F/A-18D Hornet of the Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) with (I'm sure) more to follow as the exercise progresses.

PHOTO: Royal Malaysian Air Force MiG-29s in formation

(Click on thumbnail to view high resolution image)

MiG-29s of the Tentara Udara Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysian Air Force) fly in formation over the South China Sea at Exercise Bersama Shield 2011.

Malaysia ordered 18 MiG-29N/NUBs in the early 1990s, split among 16 MiG-29N fighters and 2 MiG-29UB conversion trainers. Currently serving with 17 Skuadron based at Kuantan in Peninsular Malaysia's East coast, the MiGs, which underwent a modest upgrade in the early part of the 2000s, serve in the interceptor role in the TUDM.

(Photo Credit: Commonwealth of Australia)

CVW-2 conducts air combat exercise with Malaysian Sukhois, Hornets

On its way to the Arabian Sea for a scheduled deployment, aircraft from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) Carrier Strike Group have participated in a joint aerial combat training exercise with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets from Carrier Air Wing (CVW)2 have joined Malaysian Su-30 and FA-18D Hornets trained in multiple combat scenarios during the exercise.

Malaysian Air Force C-130s evacuates Malaysians in Egypt

Due continuing political unrest, the Royal Malaysian Air Force has deployed three of its C-130 Hercules transports to pick up Malaysian nationals stranded in Egypt. The aircraft will work in conjunction with a Fleet Auxiliary in transporting the Malaysian civilians to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.