No Budget Cut for Armed Forces, Says Minister

02 Juli 2018

RMAF MiG-29N fighter aircraft (photo : Malaysian Wings)

THERE will be no budget cuts for the three branches of the armed forces despite the revision of mega-infrastructure projects.

Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government was focused on maximising its performance.

Mohamad said the ministry was in talks with the Finance Ministry over the budget allocation for the armed forces.

“The reduction will not affect the allocation for the navy and air force, as well as the army.

“We don’t want to compromise on our security and sovereignty.”

Mohamad said the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) multi-role capability was provided by the F/A-18D Hornets and Su30MKM Flankers.

“However, there is an urgent need to replace the ageing MiG29N Fulcrum, the BAE Systems’ Hawks and Aermacchi MB339CM, as they are nearing the end of their lifespans (obsolescence, ageing platform and expensive to sustain and maintain),” he told the New Straits Times Press yesterday.

He said about 40 per cent of RMAF assets had been in service for more than 20 years.

“There is a need to upgrade or replace the assets to ensure RMAF stays at the cutting edge, befitting its role as the pillar of national sovereignty.”

“We (the government) are studying the MRCA (multi-role combat aircraft) programme because it is important for the country’s maritime safety. For example, the South China Sea is becoming an economic zone, about 200km from our mainland.

“Hence, we need suitable aircraft to maintain our security in that area.

“We are looking into it seriously.”

He said RMAF was formulating a transformation plan known as Capability Development 2055 (CAP55), which included new procurement, enhancements and upgrading of RMAF assets.

Mohamad said the focus of CAP55 was to ensure RMAF stayed relevant by shaping its warfighting capability to ensure threats were deterred and contained as far as possible from Malaysian territory.

RMAF is looking to replace its MiG29Ns, Hawk 108/208 and MB339CMs with Light Combat Aircraft (photo : fmkorea)

“The issues of affordability and sustainability remain the primary considerations in this development plan.

“It would be ideal if all facets of the armed forces are modernised in tandem and concurrently, but realistically, this is impossible due to the aforementioned considerations.”

Mohamad said the RMAF development plan must be prioritised according to prevailing geo-strategic environment, without losing view of the capacities required by RMAF, with consideration given to financial constraints.

He said CAP55 was focused on eliminating issues, such as having excessive variants and types of air assets in small quantities, system obsolescence, escalation of maintenance costs due to ageing platform and providing sufficient air power assets to respond to national needs.

“Based on the CAP55 planning, RMAF is looking to replace its MiG29Ns, Hawks and MB339CMs with light combat aircraft  (LCA), which provide capabilities relative to that of a MRCA but at a lower cost so that it would be possible to acquire and maintain a large number of the platforms with similar operating expenditures.”

Mohamad said the focus of the LCA acquisition had always been low cost, balanced by acceptable combat performance, allowing for greater numbers at similar budget and operating expenditure.

“The LCA will be able to conduct lead-in-fighter training but satisfy the spectrum of operational combat duties expected of RMAF.

“This allows cost savings on training duration, human resource planning and aircrew development, which can be channelled back for future asset upgrade.”

Mohamad said the ministry, via RMAF was reviewing proposals from aircraft manufacturers, and a decision was expected to be made between 2025 to 2030.

For the time being, he said the government’s main focus was maritime patrol aircraft.

(NST)