Trouble is, there is the FPDA. All signatory nations including Singapore and Malaysia follow the general principles of this particular treaty, correct me anyone if I am wrong.
The RMAF itself is a pretty small bit part player in the region, and never did it attempt in the past to target Singapore and Brunei. The thing is, in the 60s and 70s the RMAF were extensively 'tutored' and 'certified' by the RAF and I believe, the RAAF, but the arrangement was temporary and not envisaged for the long term. I would say RMAF pilot quality has constantly been criticised, and no more so by an ex RMAF pilot friend of mine.
Otherwise, what is the point of having SU 30MKM's if you don't have the best pilots? In those days, even selection to the short service commission course was one of the toughest in the World. Nowadays, some despair the loss of skills and training brought by the RAF.
In terms of aircraft, well, this is limited. A handful of F5s, a score of Mig 29s, some Hawks and 2 wings of FA 18s, constitute the working backbone of the RMAF Interceptor aircraft. It is clear that the RMAF are thinking of just one type that would satisfy it's requirements, and this so happens to be the Sukhoi. And since the first 18 aircraft of this type represent the initial batch, I won't be surprised if the Defence Ministry plumps for more orders. Najib going as far as to publicly state that the MIGs would only be retained to 2010!
If this is the trend, then the RMAF may just opt for the Sukhoi in more numbers, some 40-50 in the first 20 years, before another flavour of the month is glossed over on defence magazines.
The other issue is of course, missiles and Technological Transfer. i doubt it if KL can put in place a localised aircraft industry on the scale of HAL in India, but considering the package includes a Sukhoi service centre in Malaysia, then it means that the service is going Sukhoi.
With regards to the Hawks, FA 18s and Migs in the current inventory, I reckon the Malaysians would just mothball these as they did with the remaining A4s, when the time comes. In a way, it's not a bad idea to progress on, but essentially, as one RMAF vet put it, is 'pilot quality'.
Bring back tougher selection tests, drop any prejudices and choose, nurture and train the best pilots again. The first point would be to re-establish some form of training again with the RAF (as the Indians have done so already) and learn to be humble again.
That a good thought?
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