Malaysia postpones plan to buy new fighter jets due to IS concerns

(Baonghean.vn) - On July 13, a source familiar with the matter said Malaysia has postponed a $2 billion plan to replace its aging fighter jet fleet, instead considering upgrading its aerial surveillance capabilities to counter the growing threat from jihadists affiliated with the Islamic State (IS) group.

Rafale fighter jet. Photo: Reuters

Over the past few years, Southeast Asia’s third-largest economy has been weighing up a bid to compete with France’s Rafale and the Eurofighter Typhoon, made by British company BAE Systems. Specifically, Kuala Lumpur is considering buying up to 18 of the jets to replace its Russian Mig-29s, nearly half of which are grounded.

However, Reuters news agency quoted a Malaysian Defense Ministry source as saying that the country had postponed the above plans, as it was now considering increasing its aerial surveillance capabilities, which would become essential in the fight against jihadists.

The decision comes as Islamist militants continue to clash with security forces in Marawi in the southern Philippines. Malaysia and Indonesia, which share the island of Borneo, are coordinating with the Philippines to conduct air and sea patrols along their shared border in the Sulu Sea.

“Regarding the Rafale fighter jet, France is still pushing for the sale of the aircraft to the Philippines at the recent Paris air show. However, based on the current situation, Malaysia is focusing on strengthening its maritime patrol aircraft rather than multi-role fighter jets,” the source said.
The crisis in Marawi has raised concerns among Southeast Asian governments, as the region could become the next IS base, especially as militants return home from Iraq after the terrorist group was defeated in its stronghold of Mosul./.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)