BAE Systems Seeks Feedback on MIG-29N Replacement Programme

23 Agustus 2011

Eurofighter Typhoon (photo : Milavia)

KUALA LUMPUR --- BAE Systems, which is eyeing Malaysia's MiG-29N replacement programme, is currently seeking responses and gathering information from local companies as well as government agencies on the requirements of the programme and the industry.

Its director, Typhoon Malaysia, Military Air & Information, Ian Malin, said for the past months, the UK-based defence and aerospace company has been engaging with government agencies like Malaysian Investment Development Authority and Malaysia Industry-Government Group for High Technology as well as 20 local companies in various sectors.

"We have been talking with the industry players as well as government agencies to get their feedback and to know specifically what Malaysia wants. We will continue to do so for the next couple of months," he told a media briefing here today.

Among industry options the company could offer included research and development, training, manufacturing, systems integration as well as in maintenance, repair and overhaul, Malin said.

In March, BAE Systems submitted a rough order of magnitude prices of the multi-role combat aircraft Eurofighter Typhoon to replace the 18 MiG-2N aircraft.

BAE Systems will likely be up against three other competitors, including Boeing, French's Rafale and Sweden's Gripen, for the replacement programme. Eurofighter Typhoon is manufactured by BAE Systems and three European partner nations -- Germany, Italy and Spain.

On other note, the company has moved its regional head office to Kuala Lumpur from Singapore, which will help strengthen relationships with existing customers and industrial partners in the region, as well as developing new business opportunities in emerging markets such as Vietnam.

The move underpinned BAE Systems' long-term commitment to Malaysia, in which it has had a presence for over 20 years.

It would allow the company to focus on growing Asian markets, where many governments have an interest in achieving industrial growth through collaborations, technology transfer and inward investment.

BAE Systems, which is a familiar face at the bi-annual Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA), will participate in this year's LIMA from Dec 6-10, 2011.

(Bernama)