Malaysia Defence & Economy Forum

[GraveDigger388]

New provocation from Singapore ..and Malaysia do nothing ...

Apache Prowler
Posted on December 28, 2018by hafizuddinsulaiman

Many might have missed a footage by TV3 during the coronation ceremony of His Majesty the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar on March 23, 2015 where a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopter was caught shadowing a chartered news helicopter which was tasked to provide aerial coverage of the Sultan’s motorcade along the Straits of Tebrau facing Singapore.

When a Malaysian Marine Department’s vessel MV Polaris sit firm at its location near the maritime boundary of Singapore, another Apache was seen ‘keeping’ an eye on the Malaysian vessel.



Unknown to many, the RSAF has been employing its 12 Apaches based at Sembawang Airbase as part of Air Defence Task Force established by the city state in 2010. As one article written by Mike Yeo and published in Defence News described the Task Force,

as part of the Singapore military’s high-readiness core to monitor its skies as well as respond swiftly and decisively against potential air threats day and night. It leverages cross-domain and cross-function capabilities, such as the Air Force’s suite of sensors, flying platforms and ground-based air defense systems within a networked, integrated air defense system that operates around the clock.

The article further explains,

The decision to utilize the Apache in such a role was driven in part by the advantages that the slower Apache has at certain flight regimes, namely against “low and slow” targets such as light aircraft or UAVs; fast jet interceptors may have difficulty keeping station and maintaining visual contact.

Should the need arise, targets can be engaged with the Apache’s Orbital ATK M230 Chain Gun. The Apache crew declined to confirm if aerial targets could be detected and cued with the Lockheed Martin-Northrop Grumman AN/APG-78 Longbow Fire Control Radar, although the radar product card says that it is able to search, detect, locate, classify and prioritize “multiple moving and stationary targets on land, air, and water in all weather and battlefield conditions.”

Situation could escalate to the worse had the Malaysians decided to send its AgustaWestland A109LUH helicopter to shadow the Singaporean aircraft. Operated by the Malaysian Army’s No 881 Skn out of Kluang Army Airfield just few minutes flight upnorth, the Agusta is equipped with M134 Gatling gun. Unfortunately with ‘soft skin’ and door mounted gun, it is no match for the Singaporean Apache.

Clearly, the Malaysian Army is in great need for a full fledged attack helicopter not only to support its armoured units but also to provide air policing along the Straits of Johor. It is not like the Malaysians did not have any offer for attack helicopters. As early as 2013, the Malaysians have been offered Airbus Helicopters Tiger HAP attack helicopter at very attractive package. Instead, the MD-530G was selected and six of these have yet to arrive in Malaysian shores despite orders being made since 2016.

The Apache incident was nothing new in Malaysia-Singapore maritime row that previously include claims by both country on Pedra Branca islet. An image of RSAF AS-332 Super Puma helicopter was captured by a Malaysian news entourage in 2002 on-board a Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) patrol boat while sailing near the islet. A decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the Hague in 2008 gave the sovereign right of Pedra Branca to Singapore.

Are you in this forum only to be instigator?

 

[UMNOPutra]

Malaysia expected to have own fighter aircraft by 2030: Academician
19 APR 2018 / 18:16 H.

• 
  
  

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expected to have its very own combat aircraft by 2030, said Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Faculty senior lecturer Dr Mohd Roshdi Hassan.
He said he was now embarking on a study which involved various technical aspects, including the design and capability of the engine, for the aircraft.
"We already have the design of the aircraft body according to its functions. Basically, it is the design of a two-engine multi-role combat aircraft or MRCA.
"(In fact,) the design can be modified into a single-engine light combat aircraft (LCA). It is up to the government to determine which type of design to be developed into the real aircraft," he told Bernama when met at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2018 exhibitions here.
Mohd Roshdi said the aircraft would take at least 10 years to be built if it was given the go-ahead by the Defence Ministry and there were interested parties from defence companies to work together in developing the design.
This was because the process would involve various developments of the aircraft and weapons prototypes before it could be fully operational or marketed to the regional and international markets, he said.
The academician explained that the size of the aircraft was similar to the Russian's MiG-29 and also categorised as fifth generation, at par with other fighter aircraft produced by developed nations that were now entering the sixth generation.
Asked on the aircraft specifications, Mohd Roshdi said among them were high-performance radars, electronic warfare system and stealth technology to make the jet invisible to enemy radar.
"The thing about this aircraft is that it will be covered by a special type of paint, namely the Hydrophobic Radar Absorption Material Coating which serves to strengthen the stealth technology. It can also be used in any kind of situation and climate.
"Compared to United States' technology, they use the Hydophilic Radar Absorption Material Coating. Although this material has the same effect in terms of stealth technology, the downside is when the aircraft is flying in rain or wet weather as this kind of paint absorbs water and is feared will disrupt the aircraft's systems," he said.
Mohd Roshdi, who is also the founder of the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), said the idea of building a Malaysian-made fighter aircraft started back in 2007 when he worked at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre, University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
"Upon returning to Malaysia in 2008, I began gathering a group of experts to conduct research in every area such as weaponry, aerospace, radar and navigation system.
"We are only ready to discuss this with the Defence Ministry more seriously after 10 years," he said.
The four-day exhibition at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) which started Monday brought together about 1,500 defence-related companies and 350 foreign delegates from 45 countries. — Bernama

 

[UMNOPutra]

Dr M: Malaysia to meet Singapore over Seletar airport issue
NATION; Friday, 4 Jan 2019

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad says Malaysia will have discussions with Singapore over the ongoing dispute involving Malaysian airspace and the republic's Seletar airport.

“The Cabinet has decided to have discussions with Singapore on the matter of the Seletar airport,” he told a press conference after chairing a meeting of the Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council here Friday (Jan 4).

Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah reportedly said on Tuesday (jan 1) that he and his Singaporean counterpart Vivian Balakrishnan would have a meeting on the matter on Jan 8.

Malaysia had objected to the use of the instrument landing system at Seletar airport because aircraft guided by the system would violate Malaysian airspace. The airport is just 2km from Pasir Gudang in Johor. - Bernama

 

[UMNOPutra]

Malaysian interest in Tejas combat aircraft boosts HAL morale

Much-maligned public sector aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has got a morale booster with Malaysia evincing interest in its light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

It is even more satisfying for HAL engineers, many of who went without salary on the New Year's Day, that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) wants to evaluate Tejas after extensive trials of JF-17 Thunder developed by China and built in Pakistan.

Malaysia wants India to send a Tejas fighter to the March 26-30 Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2019 (LIMA'19) for evaluation, Business Standard website has said.

Apparently, the Malaysian defence minister is keen on trying out the Tejas. Indian sources believe the South East Asian nation is thinking of adding 30 Tejas to its air force.

Designed and developed jointly by Aeronautical Development Centre (ADC) and HAL, the multirole combat aircraft obtained final operational clearance (FOC) on December 31.

Tejas, currently priced at Rs 200 crore ($29 million) per aircraft, is marginally costlier than JF-17at about $25 million, reports say.

But, Tejas is credited with more advanced features than other comparable aircraft include a digital flight control system, extensive use of composite materials, sophisticated glass cockpit and a better performing American GE F-404IN engine.

In fact, Malaysia is not the first foreign nation to evince interest in Tejas, which has inquiries pending from a Middle Eastern country and Egypt.

HAL chief R Madhavan says there is considerable overseas interest for the fighter. "There is significant overseas interest in buying the Tejas light fighter. HAL is pursuing imminent opportunities in South-east and West Asia," Madhavan was quoted as saying.

HAL has an order from Indian Air Force (IAF) for 40 Tejas Mk-1 aircraft. HAL has developed Tejas Mk-1 single-seat fighter and a two-seat trainer and a naval variant.

Reports say HAL will be sending one of its older prototypes to Malaysia. Tejas took part in the Bahrain Air Show in 2016 that saw an interest spike from potential buyers. Two fighters covered 2,500 kilometres from Bangalore to Bahrain with stopovers in Jamnagar and Muscat.

Observers say the RMAF interest in the Indian fighter is significant in the backdrop of increasing defence cooperation between the two nations. There already exists some coordination between the two over Russian-built Sukhoi-30 whose MKM version is in use with RMAF. The IAF uses the MKI version. The IAF also staged a bilateral exercise with RMAF in August last year.

https://www.ibtimes.co.in/malaysian-interest-tejas-combat-aircraft-boosts-hal-morale-789662

 

[macnurv]

Malaysia expected to have own fighter aircraft by 2030: Academician
19 APR 2018 / 18:16 H.

• 
  
  

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is expected to have its very own combat aircraft by 2030, said Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing Faculty senior lecturer Dr Mohd Roshdi Hassan.
He said he was now embarking on a study which involved various technical aspects, including the design and capability of the engine, for the aircraft.
"We already have the design of the aircraft body according to its functions. Basically, it is the design of a two-engine multi-role combat aircraft or MRCA.
"(In fact,) the design can be modified into a single-engine light combat aircraft (LCA). It is up to the government to determine which type of design to be developed into the real aircraft," he told Bernama when met at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NatSec) Asia 2018 exhibitions here.
Mohd Roshdi said the aircraft would take at least 10 years to be built if it was given the go-ahead by the Defence Ministry and there were interested parties from defence companies to work together in developing the design.
This was because the process would involve various developments of the aircraft and weapons prototypes before it could be fully operational or marketed to the regional and international markets, he said.
The academician explained that the size of the aircraft was similar to the Russian's MiG-29 and also categorised as fifth generation, at par with other fighter aircraft produced by developed nations that were now entering the sixth generation.
Asked on the aircraft specifications, Mohd Roshdi said among them were high-performance radars, electronic warfare system and stealth technology to make the jet invisible to enemy radar.
"The thing about this aircraft is that it will be covered by a special type of paint, namely the Hydrophobic Radar Absorption Material Coating which serves to strengthen the stealth technology. It can also be used in any kind of situation and climate.
"Compared to United States' technology, they use the Hydophilic Radar Absorption Material Coating. Although this material has the same effect in terms of stealth technology, the downside is when the aircraft is flying in rain or wet weather as this kind of paint absorbs water and is feared will disrupt the aircraft's systems," he said.
Mohd Roshdi, who is also the founder of the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC), said the idea of building a Malaysian-made fighter aircraft started back in 2007 when he worked at the Rolls-Royce University Technology Centre, University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom.
"Upon returning to Malaysia in 2008, I began gathering a group of experts to conduct research in every area such as weaponry, aerospace, radar and navigation system.
"We are only ready to discuss this with the Defence Ministry more seriously after 10 years," he said.
The four-day exhibition at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) which started Monday brought together about 1,500 defence-related companies and 350 foreign delegates from 45 countries. — Bernama

That is not happening anytime soon. Malaysian airforce is already severely lacking in its capabilities, not to mention there are only handful of jets that are air worthy. Mahatir is more interested in starting 3rd national car project compared to any military tech, especially fighter jets.

 

[lcloo]

Indian news portal loves wet dream and drum beating. Malaysia is not interested in buying Tejas. The correct Words should be Malaysia's LIMA 2019 organiser is Interested to have Teja to participate in this year's Air Show.
We all know our current financial position well. No major purchases for next few years. Certainly no purchase of 30 Teja, where the hell that number came from?

 

[cabatli_53]

https://www.janes.com/article/86182/leonardo-positions-for-malaysian-light-fighter-programme

Would you please share some information about Malaysian light fighter program? It seems Italians will be in competition. I just wonder whether Malaysia will consider a partnership offer for this prpgram. Cause of being in its development phase, Turkey will offer Hürjet with joint development and co-production project model, If TAI agree to join into competition.

 

[UMNOPutra]

Fitch affirms Malaysia's rating at "A-", outlook stable
By Bernama - February 22, 2019 @ 4:28pm

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘A-’ with a stable outlook.

The ‘A-’ rating reflects higher growth rates than the peer median and a net external creditor position which is supported by steady current account surpluses and large external assets.
https://www.nst.com.my/business/2019...outlook-stable

Fitch (founded 1914)
USA AAA
Canada AAA
Singapore AAA
Germany AAA
France AA
UK AA
Japan A
Malaysia A-
Thailand BBB+
Italy BBB
Indonesia BBB
Philippines BBB
Vietnam B+

Latin & South American
Chile A+
Mexico BBB+
Peru BBB+
Uruguay BBB
Panama BBB
Colombia BBB
Brazil BB-
Argentina B
Venezuela SD

https://www.fitchratings.com/site/home

 

[UMNOPutra]

 

[lcloo]

The flying car project is a waste of government money. We are a small country with no real high tech base. And there is no viable market for them.

Please focus on some other projects that benefit us all, like automation on manufacturing, plantations, constructions, fishery etc. We are too labour intensive in our economy and depends on too many foreign workers.

 

[UMNOPutra]

 

[macnurv]

The flying car project is a waste of government money. We are a small country with no real high tech base. And there is no viable market for them.

Please focus on some other projects that benefit us all, like automation on manufacturing, plantations, constructions, fishery etc. We are too labour intensive in our economy and depends on too many foreign workers.

When I read this flying car news, I fell from my chair laughing. Proton to this day cant produce a reliable engine for all the subsidies, after Chinese bought a major stake in it there might be some improvement but I am not holding my breath.

TDM is absolutely right, Singapore is getting water at an extremely low rats for past few decades. Its about time they pay their fair share to Malaysia.

 

[UMNOPutra]

I absolutely agree ... So, the world call us the most islamic and holiest country ..... but. we will welcome all LGBT warmly as our brother and sister .....
-----
Gays? No such thing in our country, says Malaysian Tourism Minister
The Straits Times/Asia News Network / 04:13 PM March 06, 2019

Malaysia’s Tourism Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi also sidestepped a question of whether Malaysia is a safe destination for homosexuals and Jews. PHOTO: TWITTER / @MKETAPI via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia’s Tourism Minister caused consternation in Germany when he reportedly said there are no gays in Malaysia.

According to German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi – who was in the European country for the ITB Berlin travel fair – was asked by the German media whether Malaysia will welcome gays.

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/10927...says-malaysian-tourism-minister#ixzz5hS4SeZrE
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook

 

[UMNOPutra]

Malaysia Airlines crowned 'Best Airline in Asia' at ITB Berlin

Receiving the award at ITB Berlin was Malaysia Airlines’ Group Chief Operations Officer, Ahmad Luqman B. Mohd Azmi (third from left)
By NST Business - March 11, 2019 @ 3:29pm

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines has scooped the Best Airline in Asia Award at this year’s Patwa International Travel Awards at ITB Berlin.

The International Council of Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (Patwa) awards recognise individuals and organisations that have excelled in promoting tourism across aviation, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, government bodies and tourism ministries.

A secret jury comprising Patwa members, officials and mystery travellers judge the shortlisted names that meet the necessary criteria.

The nominees are evaluated on various pre-set standards with an extensive audit, as necessary.

The awards are now in their 18th year and have earned a reputation as one of the most coveted and sought-after awards in the travel industry.

Malaysia Airlines chief executive officer Izham Ismail said the award recognises a number of positive developments it has launched over the past two years, including new aircraft, products and digital innovations.

“It is testament to our commitment to offering passengers a fantastic experience both in the air and on the ground,” he said in a statement.

“We are enormously proud to accept the Best Airline in Asia Award from Patwa. I dedicate it to Malaysia Airlines’ employees who focus on delivering a world-class travel experience for our passengers every day,” he added.

As a “thank you” to its loyal guests, Malaysia Airlines is offering 25 per cent off on fares to selected destinations including Hong Kong and Sydney.

The offer is valid until midnight March 12 for travel between now and May 31 this year.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/201...9kktJB7juSAeZYX0K_fWJGkgciNvmQ4b091w1I98gEPrc

 

[lcloo]

What happen if the Federation of Malaysia change to "United Kingdom of Malaysia"? At present Malaysia consist of 13 states and 3 federal territories.

If Sabah and Sarawak elevated their status from just a "state" to a "nation", then Federation of Malaysia will be a country consisted of three nations (Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak) and 3 federal territories (Kuala Lumpur, Putra Jaya and Labuan) which is very similar to Britain with England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and territories in Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

A ‘United Kingdom’ of Malaysia? Analyst tells how to make Sabah, Sarawak equal partners
Larissa Lumandan FMT News
-
March 21, 2019 8:30 AM
• 5 minute read

KUCHING: An analyst has suggested that the government emulate the devolution system in the UK by forming a “kingdom” of Malaysia, consisting of the peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah.

Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Sarawakians expect relations between the state and the peninsula to be similar to the devolved administrations in the UK, namely Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the other three dependencies of the British Crown: Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.

“Malaysia is one of the Commonwealth countries and we have also inherited the British Westminster model of parliamentary system,” he told FMT.

However, Awang Azman said the return of the state’s status alone would not be enough.
“Sarawakians also want to regain their rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 so that the state will be able to generate stronger financial income,” he said.

He said he believed the amendment of Article 1(2) of the Federal Constitution, which will see the word “state” dropped in all official government affairs, would help to restore the status of Sabah and Sarawak as equal partners with Malaya.

Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg earlier said that once the amendments are made, Sarawak will “no longer be a state but a region”.

However, he added that Sarawak would still be part of Malaysia.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah political analyst Lee Kuok Tiung said Sarawakians should not get distracted by the plan to drop the word “state” in all official government affairs.

“Instead, we should focus on the intention of getting back our rights as equal partners.

“The Pakatan Harapan government has promised to return the rights to us. We don’t want them to give us false hopes,” he told FMT.

Lee also criticised the amendment of Article 1(2), urging the government to consider amending Articles 8 and 160 of the Federal Constitution instead.

“Article 112 of the Federal Constitution is clear enough, so just return whatever belongs to Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.