My version of RMAF wishlist ORBAT
Wow.... I am impressed. We have so many talents in military analysis that we should be setting up a think tank or something for the Malaysian Armed Forces here.
Anyway, goes to show that given the circumstances, action speaks louder than words and as is I believe that it is not possible for us to put action to support our words as it is not within our means to influence the purchase and selection of the Malaysian defence spending.
However, having said that, here is my ideal RMAF setup (what should have been)...
1. An integrated multimission groundbased 3D surveillance radar system. I hear those ppl groaning in the background "We have those already".... I tell you its insufficient, there are still gaps in between (although i hear arguments about awacs being used as gap fillers here) and bane of the scenario is that it is not fully integrated. Numbers required?... that is something that only specialists within RMAF would need to come up with but my best guesstimate puts it at 6 radar heads in peninsular and another 6 in East Malaysia. The idea is to cover the vital points and let the 2nd layer of airdefence and the AWACS fill the gaps.
2. Multimission AEWC/ABCCC platform. How many? 6 would be good. 4 is minimum. These should be integrated with the ground based 3D surveillance platforms as well as the SAM batteries and the fighter assets.
3. Tactical SAMs. Best option for these are the Combined Units such as the SA-8 and its variants (yeah its an old system but it works...) with in depth protection by something like the S300 and above variants. Specs should cover surveillance up to at least 30 nm vs low level threats with missile engagement occuring at minimum of 20 nm. Maybe some of those SAM specialist out there can share on this a bit as my SAM knowledge is pretty grey... How many?.....depends on what you want to protect, if we want to build a wall north and south....ball park figure will be something like 6 batteries of the medium range SAMs (S-300V class) and 12 to 18 batteries of SA8 class short range SAMs to complement the myriad of Igla, Anza and Starburst VSHORAD already in service.
4. Fighter assets. Definitely something multirole, twin engined (due to the maritime expanse), long legs, AAR capable, with sensors and weapons to the hilt. My choice would be a mix of hornets and Su-30MKM. Min of 2 sqn of 12/18 hornets each (C/D upgraded to some level should be sufficient) and 2 sqn of 18 Su-30MKM each. Best advice here will be to put the F5 and Mig29 out to pasture as soon as feasible to minimize the logistic nightmare.
5. Training assets. Maintain the current basic training sets. RMAF should have gone for the Hawk 128 for their FLIT instead of going for MB339CD so as to reduce the types. That is to use the existing Hawks until end of service life (which should be in 2020 or so) and transition FLIT onto Hawk 128 by 2015 (don't buy now, LoI, negotiate price and delivery start in 2013-15 for 12 Hawk 128). So the aircrew progression will be Basic Training - Hawk - hornets/Su-30MKM.
6. Support assets. Instead of going for 4 x A400M, I would have gone for 4-6 militarised A330/340 with AAR capability. reason being its a jet ac, bigger payload (more fuel for the AAR, bigger capacity cargo and as well as troops). Not really sure whats the AAR capability for A400M but as its a prop, definitely the speed is lower than that of a jet, payload probably slightly lower and fuel offered maybe even lesser. In example, a 60000 lb offload for AAR will only refuel 4 Su-30MKM taking on 15k lb fuel each. What if the strike force require a 4+4 mix?.... Besides now the tanker can fly at about the same combat speed of the fighter, so on a long haul, the fighter can stay with the tanker all the way until punch time.
7. Helicopter. RMAF must release the role of troop support and heli lift to the army and concentrate on specialising in CSAR and Spec Ops. After all with the Eurocopter Cougar being given the LoI approval this is the most logical step as the Cougar is too small to step into heli lift and troop support.
8. UCAV. Develop own UCAV capability to act a a low cost stand in for AWACS and fighters in CAS role. If others can do it, why can't we....
9. Networked integrated system between command, control, sensors and shooters.
What a mouthful. I know a lot of flak will float my way but hey....its a wishlist right... Then again, what is the price of having the knowledge that your country have at least a fighting chance in case some nutcase decides to take your country's sovereignty away?
