Malaysia Not Yet Ready to Buy New Fighter

Malaysia Still Considering Possible Rafale Purchase: PM Najib

(Source: New Straits Times; posted March 28, 2017)

By Azura Abas and Hashini Kavishtri Kannan

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia --- Malaysia is still looking into the possibility of purchasing Dassault Aviation's Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the matter was raised during a meeting, in conjunction with French President François Hollande's state visit today, but without any definite decision.

"Part of the talk (meeting) today revolved around possibilities in terms of acquiring French defence equipment including the Rafale. Although Malaysia is not ready yet (to purchase the aircraft), it will take note of the aircraft's success in several countries," Najib said.

"We will take note of the possibility of that particular aircraft being the subject of cooperation and collaboration in those countries as well." (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the New Straits Times website.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Malaysia has been discussing the purchase of 18 Rafales at a cost of about 2 billion euros, Dassault Aircraft CEO Eric Trappier told AFP in Subang, Malaysia. He however cautioned that nothing had yet been concluded, and “we remain humble about future negotiations,” he said after an in-flight demonstration of the Rafale before Malaysian premier Najib, French President Hollande and both countries’ defense ministers.)

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Malaysian PM Tells France Not Ready to Decide On Buying Rafale Jets (excerpt)

(Source: Reuters; posted March 28, 2017)

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Tuesday that he discussed the possible purchase of Dassault Aviation SA's Rafale fighter jets with French President Francois Hollande but remained undecided.

"We're not ready yet to make a decision, but we take note of its success in other countries...," Najib said at a joint news conference with Hollande in Kuala Lumpur.

Rafale is seen as a frontrunner as Malaysia looks to buy up to 18 jets in a deal potentially worth more than $2 billion, sources have said.

Malaysia's plan is to replace the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) squadron of Russian MiG-29 combat planes, nearly half of which are grounded.

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein was reported in the media as saying the race for new fighter jets has narrowed to the Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, built by BAE Systems.

"I know you will be making a decision, and against that background, we want to provide the necessary support," Hollande said in his speech after comments from Najib. (end of excerpt)

Click here for the full story, on the Reuters website.

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