RMAF’s Bomb Evolutions

15 Juli 2019

An LGB and JDAM inert units displayed with an F/A-18 Hornet at LIMA 2017 (photo : Malaysian Defence)

The introduction of McDonnell Douglas A-4PTM Skyhawk fighter bombers in 1984 brought along new capabilities in the fight against Communist Terrorists (CT) hiding deep in the jungles of Peninsular Malaysia.

Previously, two of Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) strike aircraft namely the Canadair CL-41G-5 Tebuan light strike/jet trainer and Northrop F-5E Tiger II supersonic interceptor were employed to drop Mk 80 iron bombs over suspected CT camps often with mixed results.

The Malaysians managed to get unspecified numbers of Mark 14 Tail Retarding Device (TRD) kits to be installed on Mk 80 family bombs. In Snake Eye configuration, the extended fins increases tail drag and slows down front speed thus enabling the low flying aircraft to pass through bombing area safely without the risk of hitting its own bomb shrapnel and fragments.

In 1997, with the delivery of McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D+ NiteStrike Hornet to the RMAF’s No 18 Skn, a more precise delivery capability has been obtained in the form of GBU-16 Paveway II laser guided bomb (LGB). The Paveway II essentially is kitted together with Mk 82 bombs. It is believed that the Hornet is also able to dispense Snake Eye bombs but with the acceptance of Paveway II smart bombs, the Snake Eye has essentially becomes obsolete and eventually being withdrawn from use.

Su-30MKM with Paveway II (GBU-12 bomb) (photo : MMP)

The effectiveness of Paveway II bombs in combat could be seen during Ops Daulat in 2013 as around five rounds were dispensed with devastating effect on the enemy’s positions. Paveway becomes the Air Force weapon of choice so much so they integrate the system with the KNAAPO built Sukhoi Su-30MKM (NATO Reporting Name: Flanker), the only country that have mated Russian made aircraft with US made weapon system.

During the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2017 show, the Air Force took the opportunity to showcase its Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) bombs now equipping the upgraded Boeing F/A-18D Mod 25X Hornet. Unlike Paveway bombs which needs their targets to be painted by special forces on the ground, Mk 82 bombs equipped with JDAM kits only need GPS coordinates of target being keyed in. Malaysian JDAM have yet to see combat.

Tubitak Sage KGK bomb (photo : sondakika)

The next evolution of bomb that yet to be acquired by the RMAF is glide bombs. Turkish TUBITAK Sage has come up with Kanatlı Güdüm Kiti (KGK) precision guidance wing kit that converts Mark 82 bombs into long range fire and forget smart weapons. The KGK would give the RMAF’s strike fighters especially the Hornets and the Sukhoi a stand off strike capability.

Owing strong relationship with Turkish defence industries and strategic value, KGK should be considered as a priority procurement.

(MFH)