BY : Bernama

The Sukhoi Su-30MKM are not replacements for the MiG aircraft but will complement the squadron in protecting Malaysian air space, said Malaysian Chief of Air Force Jen Datuk Seri Azizan Ariffin.

He said the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) would continue to deploy the MiG aircraft in its operations to protect the air space against external threat.

"The MiG-29N aircraft can still be used. Delivery of the Su-30MKM does not mean that the MiG-29 will be suspended. They will only add to our existing squadrons as we need two or three squadrons of fighter aircraft."

Azizan also told Malaysian journalists that the country needed additional squadrons due to the vast and undulating landscape and maritime areas that required surveillance by fighter aircraft.

He said the Su-30MKM aircraft were different from the MiG-29N as they were multi-role aircraft with various functions, including air defence and land and maritime assault.

The MiG-29N aircraft were specialised in air defence and intercepting foreign aircraft in Malaysian air space.

The Su-30MKM, regarded as the most sophisticated fighter aircraft in Southeast Asia, had the ability to loiter over long periods and this gave them an edge in air surveillance in peace and war.

Azizan said that ideally, the country needed two squadrons or 36 aircraft to ensure air superiority but added that the purchase was linked to the government's financial capability.

Malaysia signed an agreement to purchase 18 Su-30MKM from Russia at a cost of RM3.42 billion in May 2003. Two Sukhoi will arrive next month with the remaining 16 to be delivered by year-end and mid-2008.

The handing over of the two Sukhoi was held here two days ago.

On a proposal to buy Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft, Azizan said the RMAF was still studying it and would leave the decision to the government.

"The AEWC aircraft will help to protect our waters and will further strengthen our defence," he added.

He said that though they were important to RMAF in boosting its air defence, their purchase depended on the government's financial standing.