The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) seeks new jets to enhance its defence capabilities. The local media favours the Russian Su-57e Felon as the strongest candidate. Malaysian media sources reported that Malaysia is in talks with Russia to purchase Su-57 aircraft as part of a comprehensive plan to modernize its fleet of combat aircraft.
The move towards the Su-57 aircraft comes within a broader plan that includes the modernization of 18 Su-30 MKM aircraft, the acquisition of a fleet of F/A-18 Hornet aircraft from the Kuwaiti Air Force, and the introduction of two air refuelling aircraft. The Malaysian Air Force has set specific requirements for the aircraft it seeks to purchase, including: It must be a twin-engine fighter aircraft with high combat capabilities as part of Multirole Combat Aircraft (MRCA) programme.
To be capable of flying for long periods with the possibility of air-to-air refuelling.
Be multitasking and able to perform a wide range of operations.
The country, however, does not request 5th gen specifics such as low RCS. Therefore, other 4th aircraft such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, JAS Gripen and F/A-18 Hornet may also compete.
