RMAF Future; need opinions

johngage

New Member
1.Yeah thats what i mean, why "it is a shame"? whats the reason to feel shame?
2.LoL, I am very familiar with the restriction as i work with it. I only tell what i know. No matter you believe, or not.
Its a shame because the money used to buy the MiG-29N's could have been used to buy additional F/A-18D's instead.

2. If that's the case, could you tell me what was the package that they offered with the F/A-18F's? As far as I'm aware, the RMAF was NOT offered the APG-79, Terminator, AIM-9X/JHMCS, AIM-120C8 or ALQ-214. So it cannot have been a full-spec F/A-18F.
 

nevidimka

New Member
If Israel or Singapore uses American weapons without informing , US feel's "unhappy" about it. IF RMAF uses American weapons without doing such, US places an Embargo.

I would also like to know whats the latest that have been offered/cleared for sale to RMAF regarding the Superhornet? I believe the US has been offering abit more with each passing day regarding the SH to Malaysia in order to secure the deal.
 

Mr Ignorant

New Member
Don't think the Malaysians will get anything full spec from the Americans. Unless it's rifles off course.

The RAAF are considering the F/A 18 SH and opting to place more orders for the F35.

Let's see where this goes. Otherwise, the RMAF might as well go the RAF road and buy Eurofighters.
 

qwerty223

New Member
Its a shame because the money used to buy the MiG-29N's could have been used to buy additional F/A-18D's instead.

2. If that's the case, could you tell me what was the package that they offered with the F/A-18F's? As far as I'm aware, the RMAF was NOT offered the APG-79, Terminator, AIM-9X/JHMCS, AIM-120C8 or ALQ-214. So it cannot have been a full-spec F/A-18F.
Well, MiG-29N's decision came earlier and it happened because we made Uncle Sam unhappy and also to show we can survive independently. MiG-29N did served us well the past decade. And wanted to remind you some history. During the 91~94 we did had an economic boom. But we were also in the period of transforming from a kampung like country to a modern one. Money is coming as fast as it goes. Not to mention the economic crisis came the early 97. AND the Hornet deal was made after we somehow satisfied Uncle Sam.

As for what will they offer, i would say, either we get whatever we want (well everyone has the picture) or we will just go for another kind of aircraft. But since the air force is keen to have S. Hornets, then it means whatever restriction there is, it is the best choice.

If Israel or Singapore uses American weapons without informing , US feel's "unhappy" about it. IF RMAF uses American weapons without doing such, US places an Embargo.

I would also like to know whats the latest that have been offered/cleared for sale to RMAF regarding the Superhornet? I believe the US has been offering abit more with each passing day regarding the SH to Malaysia in order to secure the deal.
We will not end up a embargo if we are not using it aggressively. IMO, other than PRC and the Russians, all other main supplier in the world will set an embargo against any country thats violets "their will". The is world rule by the few powers, the ones we know.
S.Hornet is at a open discussion status. Anything could happen.
 
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johngage

New Member
<<Well, MiG-29N's decision came earlier and it happened because we made Uncle same unhappy and also to show we can survive independently. MiG-29N did served us well the past decade.>>

As I said in the previous post, its just an opinion, but I would have preferred Malaysia to buy more F/A-18D's instead of the MiG-29N. In fact if Malaysia wanted to buy a non-US aircraft, I would have preferred something from France/Sweden/Europe, but its just my opinion.

<<As for what will they offer, i would say, either we get whatever we want (well everyone has the picture) or we will just go for another kind of aircraft. But since the air force is keen to have S. Hornets, then it means whatever restriction there is, it is the best choice>>

That's precisely the point I wanted to debate. What would be the best choice? Would it be better for Malaysia to go for a downgraded F/A-18F (even at $100m apiece) or choose another aircraft? What should be the minimum specs we require before considering buying the F/A-18F? Would it be possible to purchase additional F/A-18D's if we were offered a cheap price? If we decide on another type should we consider more SU-30MKM's? Or do we decide on another platform? Or should we instead purchase AWACS, better radars, data-links...etc?
 

qwerty223

New Member
<<Well, MiG-29N's decision came earlier and it happened because we made Uncle same unhappy and also to show we can survive independently. MiG-29N did served us well the past decade.>>

As I said in the previous post, its just an opinion, but I would have preferred Malaysia to buy more F/A-18D's instead of the MiG-29N. In fact if Malaysia wanted to buy a non-US aircraft, I would have preferred something from France/Sweden/Europe, but its just my opinion.

<<As for what will they offer, i would say, either we get whatever we want (well everyone has the picture) or we will just go for another kind of aircraft. But since the air force is keen to have S. Hornets, then it means whatever restriction there is, it is the best choice>>

That's precisely the point I wanted to debate. What would be the best choice? Would it be better for Malaysia to go for a downgraded F/A-18F (even at $100m apiece) or choose another aircraft? What should be the minimum specs we require before considering buying the F/A-18F? Would it be possible to purchase additional F/A-18D's if we were offered a cheap price? If we decide on another type should we consider more SU-30MKM's? Or do we decide on another platform? Or should we instead purchase AWACS, better radars, data-links...etc?
1st of all, why do you think it will be downgraded till the point that it is not competible with all other 4+gen aircraft in the world?
Well, for a common sense, AESA, AMRAAM, AIM-9M(X), JDAM and Harpoon Block II(III) would be a reasonable requirement
 

Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
1st of all, why do you think it will be downgraded till the point that it is not competible with all other 4+gen aircraft in the world?
Well, for a common sense, AESA, AMRAAM, AIM-9M(X), JDAM and Harpoon Block II(III) would be a reasonable requirement
The US will not sell Malaysia F/A-18F block II so no AESA. Therefore they will be a relatively downgraded version. By far the best option for the RMAF IMO (and i have stated this repeatedly, would be the eventual purchase for annother squadron of SU-30 MKM's with the aim of a ~50 platform orbat. There are just too many compromises with US kit for the malaysians and theres no point in complicateing your logistical constraints by having a half US half russian kit with different weapon requirements that are not interchangable. IMHO Its a waste of time and money.
 

qwerty223

New Member
The US will not sell Malaysia F/A-18F block II so no AESA. Therefore they will be a relatively downgraded version. By far the best option for the RMAF IMO (and i have stated this repeatedly, would be the eventual purchase for annother squadron of SU-30 MKM's with the aim of a ~50 platform orbat. There are just too many compromises with US kit for the malaysians and theres no point in complicateing your logistical constraints by having a half US half russian kit with different weapon requirements that are not interchangable. IMHO Its a waste of time and money.
LoL, most of the military fan do think the same. But it wont be true. Anyways, doest anyone can tell why Malaysian are not eligable to have block 2 S. Hornet? thats the main point here.
 

Mr Ignorant

New Member
Simple - On the one hand, an export version of the SH will not be the same as the one used by the USN and the USMC. Secondly; the purchase of missiles would be an issue; thirdly Congress would have to approve the sale; fourthly the Americans may place additional restrictions - because Malaysia is not considered a military ally on par with Singapore and Australia.

Faced with this - The RMAF might as well plump for another 3 or 4 squadrons of SU 30 MKMs.
 

qwerty223

New Member
Well, what you brought up is a "everyone says so". But in reality, in the 97 we got our well praised Hornet D with full spec including F404-GE-402 engines, APG-73 radar, Nighthawk, weaponry included Harpoon and Maverick. Later when a close neighbor of Malaysia had Uncle Sam's permission to had their AMRAAM back home, we got ours too. Other than JDAM which we didnt built a network for it, we got pretty much on par with every close allies of our beloved Uncle Sam.

Malaysia is always a neutral country. We might not be a buddy of Uncle Sam, but we also keep Malacca Strait in a neutral status, which is good enough to satisfies him. By the time we receive our batch of 2nd MRCA, its 10~12. APG-79 had been in service for half a decade, and F-35 is coming. I dont see how a 2nd line tech would be so "unreachable"

If we were to consider security matter from an American side, is there any relationship to the RMAF that they cover up the cockpit for all the close exhibition?
 

johngage

New Member
1st of all, why do you think it will be downgraded till the point that it is not competible with all other 4+gen aircraft in the world?
Well, for a common sense, AESA, AMRAAM, AIM-9M(X), JDAM and Harpoon Block II(III) would be a reasonable requirement
Well, for a start, you can forget about AESA. The US proposal was for the Malaysian F/A-18F to be equipped with the older APG-73. Malaysia is cleared for AMRAAM but not the AIM-120C8, and JDAM but not for AIM-9X or Harpoon Block II/III. But you are still missing the point of my argument. Would it be better for Malaysia to spend money on an expensive but downgraded (no APG-79, no TERMINATOR, no AIM-9X, no Harpoon Block II/III, no AIM-120C8, no JCHMS, no ALQ-214) F/A-18F or for for a full-spec SU-30MKM? Personally, I am starting to lean towards the SU-30MKM epecially regarding the extra development which the Indians have started to pour into the SU-30MKI (Irbis-E, new Indian computers, composite airframe...etc) and regarding Ozzy Blizzard's point about logistics. It would certainly help with regard to future AWACS integration.
 

qwerty223

New Member
Well, for a start, you can forget about AESA. The US proposal was for the Malaysian F/A-18F to be equipped with the older APG-73. Malaysia is cleared for AMRAAM but not the AIM-120C8, and JDAM but not for AIM-9X or Harpoon Block II/III. But you are still missing the point of my argument. Would it be better for Malaysia to spend money on an expensive but downgraded (no APG-79, no TERMINATOR, no AIM-9X, no Harpoon Block II/III, no AIM-120C8, no JCHMS, no ALQ-214) F/A-18F or for for a full-spec SU-30MKM? Personally, I am starting to lean towards the SU-30MKM epecially regarding the extra development which the Indians have started to pour into the SU-30MKI (Irbis-E, new Indian computers, composite airframe...etc) and regarding Ozzy Blizzard's point about logistics. It would certainly help with regard to future AWACS integration.
I am not missing anything while you are adding many myth on it. Not to mention that You made a mistake on the model. AMRAAM-C5 is a standard export model, it would change later when D model has become standard to the USAF/USMC. As a rough picture of the future procurement I have pointed out 2 solid evidence that we are not going to get too bad with American product:1st which i stated clearly, 97 we got a full spec and full weaponry Hornet Ds. 2nd, when even forumer can think about a better option available to the market, why wouldn't the proffesionist in the RMAF eye themselves an aircraft other than the S.Hornet? All i can think of is 2 reasons: A. Analyst shows a downgraded S.Hornet is on par with all other 4++ gen aircraft in the world. B. They have confidence to get what they want. C.

As of the logistic consideration, i let it to be handle by RMAF before i understand what really cause them to do so. Finally some logistic related matter. Regarding the TERMINATOR, we already have Damocles pod, a unified equipment might help in logistic? Same goes to ECM system.
 
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Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
LoL, most of the military fan do think the same. But it wont be true. Anyways, doest anyone can tell why Malaysian are not eligable to have block 2 S. Hornet? thats the main point here.
How do "most military fan" think the same? Logistical over-compliction, or the US not selling Block II Rhino's? Malaysia wont be able to buy BII because of sophistocation of the AESA and avionics suite, both of which are incredibly sensitive. AESA's are one of the US's most improtant cometitive advantage's and which they're not going to risk on anyone who are not tier one allies (or who they are not trying to woo into becoming a tier one ally), Malayisa is NOT a tier one alliy. In any case i thought the Malaysian government applyed for an FMS and was rebuffed?
 

qwerty223

New Member
How do "most military fan" think the same? Logistical over-compliction, or the US not selling Block II Rhino's? Malaysia wont be able to buy BII because of sophistocation of the AESA and avionics suite, both of which are incredibly sensitive. AESA's are one of the US's most improtant cometitive advantage's and which they're not going to risk on anyone who are not tier one allies (or who they are not trying to woo into becoming a tier one ally), Malayisa is NOT a tier one alliy. In any case i thought the Malaysian government applyed for an FMS and was rebuffed?
Everyone is coming up with AESA,and APG-79 is going to outdate soon with the APG-73 already outdated. E/F model worth nothing without APG-79. If we, as a forumer can see this, I am sure those professionist in the RMAF can see more then we do.
 

Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
Everyone is coming up with AESA,and APG-79 is going to outdate soon with the APG-73 already outdated.

:eek:nfloorl: are you friggin kidding me?

AN/APG 73 (v)3 and AN/APG 79 are identical, and both are by far the best fighter sized radars operational anywhere (bar the AN/APG 77). They are 2 generations ahead of both Russian and European AESA programs. How on earth are they going to be "oudated" soon?


E/F model worth nothing without APG-79. If we, as a forumer can see this, I am sure those professionist in the RMAF can see more then we do.
F/A-18E/F isnt worth nothing without AESA and 5th gen combat managements system and HUI, but it is a whole let less capable. IMO a block I rhino is significantly less capable than an Su-30 MKM. Now would it still be usefull in the contmporary threat environment? Sure, the acsess to even basic J-series PGM's is allmost worth it. However IMHO that alone is not worth the compromised capability and logistical complications of operating a compromised orbat consiting of US + Russian kit which share nothing in common, even the weapons loadout. However the same could said for operateing MiG 29's and F/A-18D's aswell, so who knows what the logic is. Perhaps its more political rather than operational, keeping defence ties strong with the west and east? Because it makes no sense logistically.
 

johngage

New Member
I am not missing anything while you are adding many myth on it. Not to mention that You made a mistake on the model. AMRAAM-C5 is a standard export model, it would change later when D model has become standard to the USAF/USMC.

I am not adding any myths nor have I made a mistake regarding the model. The AIM-120D was previously know as the AIM-120C8.

http://www.freedominion.com.pa/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?=&p=914893

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMRAAM

As a rough picture of the future procurement I have pointed out 2 solid evidence that we are not going to get too bad with American product:1st which i stated clearly, 97 we got a full spec and full weaponry Hornet Ds

We are not talking about 1997. And even in 1997, we were not cleared for AMRAAM, nor did our APG-73 have the necessary software for AMRAAM. So how can you say it has full spec and full weaponry? We are now in 2008 and as far as I'm aware, Malaysia has not been cleared for the APG-79, TERMINATOR, AIM-9X/JCHMS, or Harpoon Block II/III.

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-7500841_ITM

2nd, when even forumer can think about a better option available to the market, why wouldn't the proffesionist in the RMAF eye themselves an aircraft other than the S.Hornet? All i can think of is 2 reasons: A. Analyst shows a downgraded S.Hornet is on par with all other 4++ gen aircraft in the world. B. They have confidence to get what they want. C.

This is an internet forum where we debate matters relating to Military Aviation. If that is your opinion, then well and good. I might have another opinion. Secondly, weapons procurements in Malaysia are not necessarily made by the professionals. They are made by a decision from the PM and the Finance Minister for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is political, sometimes it is economic. For e.g the RMN (the professionals) wanted the Aster 15 for their frigates but because of cost, they had to settle for the ESSM. So you see they don't always have the confidence to get what they want.

http://www.sgforums.com/forums/1164/topics/261815

As of the logistic consideration, i let it to be handle by RMAF before i understand what really cause them to do so. Finally some logistic related matter. Regarding the TERMINATOR, we already have Damocles pod, a unified equipment might help in logistic? Same goes to ECM system.

Qwerty223, the Raytheon AN/ASQ-228(V) Terminator ATFLIR is an American made pod. It is designed to work with the F/A-18F. The Damocles is a French made pod. It was NOT designed to work with the F/A-18F. Don't you think that they would be serious integration problems? Do you think that Raytheon or Boeing would allow Malaysia the software and expertise to integrate this pod? Do you think the US would allow Malaysia to integrate a French pod on an American fighter?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMRAAM
 

the road runner

Active Member
Just a point,logistics and the right weapons mix is essential for the modern combat aircraft,but what is most important is the overall package(the complete system).I wonder how most nations can have half russian and half WESTERN equipment and expect both systems to work seamlessley.
I love to see the Malaysian AIR force with a dual role strike/fighter,but to have Su-30 and F/A-18 is a waste of money operating both aircraft.(either operate su-30 or F/a-18 and realise the savings in wepons mix,training,spares)
I would love to see a complete package bough for the Malaysian air force,something like the SAAB grippen and erieye awacs system.I just think that one company,will be able to problem solve/and project manage the chosen product,more efficiently ,when they know all datails/specification of a product.
There is to much secracy(for good reasons)on defence equipment,and i just think that competing companies do not like to share info that they have Researched and developed(for good reasons to)
ANYHOW to summarise i think RMAF needs one dual role strike/fighter with awacs support,linked to other AD assets and radar systems,with common wepons mix,amram,asram,jdam and stand off wepons. A deadly mix ,is a complete package for AD.

Agree with ozzy blizzard on ASEA radar beieng 2 generations ahead of russian counterparts(see how ASEA is part of the complete package for australian F/A-18 super bugs,along with AWACS,JORN,stand off wepons,Aim 9x,amram and standoff wepons)

LOOK FOR A COMPLETE PACKAGE
and a project manager that knows what he is doing also helps

MEEP MEEP
 

qwerty223

New Member
:eek:nfloorl: are you friggin kidding me?

AN/APG 73 (v)3 and AN/APG 79 are identical, and both are by far the best fighter sized radars operational anywhere (bar the AN/APG 77). They are 2 generations ahead of both Russian and European AESA programs. How on earth are they going to be "oudated" soon?
1st, LOL.
F/A-18E/F isnt worth nothing without AESA and 5th gen combat managements system and HUI, but it is a whole let less capable. IMO a block I rhino is significantly less capable than an Su-30 MKM. Now would it still be usefull in the contmporary threat environment? Sure, the acsess to even basic J-series PGM's is allmost worth it. However IMHO that alone is not worth the compromised capability and logistical complications of operating a compromised orbat consiting of US + Russian kit which share nothing in common, even the weapons loadout. However the same could said for operateing MiG 29's and F/A-18D's aswell, so who knows what the logic is. Perhaps its more political rather than operational, keeping defence ties strong with the west and east? Because it makes no sense logistically.
Wow, although you tried hard to hide it, but you actually mean an AESA-less is actually on par with all other 4++gen aircraft in the world. Now thats a good joke.
 

Ozzy Blizzard

New Member
1st, LOL.
Did you read the post your quoteing? AN/APG 73 (V)3 was upgraded with all of the advanced features of the AN/APG 79 and built with the same array techniques, (as opposed to the AN/APG 73 (V)2). They are both, clearly the most capable fighter radars on the planet (with the exeption of the AN/APG 77), or do you disagree?

Wow, although you tried hard to hide it, but you actually mean an AESA-less is actually on par with all other 4++gen aircraft in the world. Now thats a good joke.
Again did you actually read the post you quoted? I said in the strike role the F/A-18F BI was probably superior to the SU-30MKM becasue it can employ J-series PGM's. Pretty simple huh, or do you disagree? Also you know were i said this:

Ozzy Blizzard said:
However IMHO that alone is not worth the compromised capability and logistical complications of operating a compromised orbat consiting of US + Russian kit which share nothing in common, even the weapons loadout.
Pretty clear huh? Dont know how you confused that.

Now if you want to have a real grown up conversation why dont you actually put some adult, factual and logical argument into your posts? Deliberatly distroting my conclusion in a childish maner wont lead to the most productive of conversations if you know what i mean?:rolleyes:
 

qwerty223

New Member
Did you read the post your quoteing? AN/APG 73 (V)3 was upgraded with all of the advanced features of the AN/APG 79 and built with the same array techniques, (as opposed to the AN/APG 73 (V)2). They are both, clearly the most capable fighter radars on the planet (with the exeption of the AN/APG 77), or do you disagree?
Well antenna holds 50% of the radar system's parameter. And how you define "new"? In tech product, the term new is not just the traditional meaning of when it enter market, its a relative comparison to existing competitor and its proceeder. An AESA is a must for the S.Hornet to stay competitive. Therefore the USMC upgraded them even before the QC sticker worn off.

Again did you actually read the post you quoted? I said in the strike role the F/A-18F BI was probably superior to the SU-30MKM becasue it can employ J-series PGM's. Pretty simple huh, or do you disagree? Also you know were i said this:
Ok, the model is considered "F". Being downgraded in all aspect, left outdated radar, targeting pod and weaponry. So, tell me, whats so superior when the European can at least offer better sensors?


Pretty clear huh? Dont know how you confused that.

Now if you want to have a real grown up conversation why dont you actually put some adult, factual and logical argument into your posts? Deliberatly distroting my conclusion in a childish maner wont lead to the most productive of conversations if you know what i mean?:rolleyes:
You should grow up man. The world doesn't turn around you. When the time we got our S.Hornet, probably is later than 2012~13. Lightning II will enter service in mass production, consequently take over the air defence roll from S.Hornet. For that time being, not to mention AN/APG 73V3, I bet the USMC will perform another upgrade for the AN/APG 79. As of RMAF, depending on a soon outdated asset, for the next 20 years, is it a "childish manner" or an "adult, factual and logical argument"? :shudder
 
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