Malaysia Plans to Induct Su-57 Fighter Jets by 2035

 

Despite mixed reviews of the Russian Su-57 Felon fighter jet, there is noticeable international interest in its purchase. According to local media outlet Twentytwo13, Malaysia is considering adding the Su-57 to the Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) fleet by 2035. Unnamed sources report that Malaysia could receive its first Su-57 Felon towards the end of its 14th Plan, which involves procuring one squadron initially with an option for a second.

The sources also mention that Malaysia intends to acquire another type of fighter jet, likely the American-made F/A-18C/D Hornets from Kuwait. Additionally, Malaysia plans to upgrade its current fleet of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM jets to the Super Flanker standard.

Malaysia's interest in the Su-57 and the South Korean KF-21 Boramae is due to their modern, operational status. Initially, Malaysia considered several options, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, French Dassault Rafale, Swedish Saab JAS-39 Gripen, and American Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. However, these aircraft are classified as 4.5 generation and have been in service for about two decades. The Super Hornet, for instance, is nearing its 25th year in operation, with Boeing planning to end production by 2025. Experts believe this generation of aircraft has nearly reached its developmental potential.

Meanwhile, Russia continues to equip its fighter squadrons with the Su-57 Felon in a cautious low-rate initial production phase.

The Su-57 Felon, developed by Russia’s Sukhoi company, is designed for air combat and strike missions. It features stealth, supermaneuverability, and the latest avionics, and is set to replace older aircraft like the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian Air Force. The Su-57 is 66 feet long, 46 feet wide, and 15 feet tall, enabling it to carry a variety of weapons and sensors while remaining hard to detect on radar. It uses two Saturn AL-41F1 engines that help it reach speeds of up to Mach 2 and fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners, conserving fuel.

The unique wing design combines trapezoidal and swept wings with two widely spaced engines, improving lift, reducing drag, and enhancing stability and control. The Su-57's movable horizontal and vertical stabilizers enhance agility, stability, and control during various flight phases. The aircraft is built with alloys, including 40.5-44.5% aluminum and 18.6% titanium, and composites, which make up 22-26% of its weight and about 70% of its outer surface.

The Su-57 features the N036 Byelka radar system, which uses AESA technology to electronically steer its beam, allowing quicker target spotting and tracking. This radar enhances the Su-57’s situational awareness and combat effectiveness. It can detect and follow multiple targets simultaneously and has advanced electronic warfare capabilities, including jamming enemy radars and communications and gathering intelligence from enemy signals. The radar’s low probability of intercept (LPI) capability makes its signals hard for enemies to detect, reducing the chance of the Su-57 being tracked or targeted.

The Su-57 is armed with the R-77 missile (AA-12 Adder), R-73 missile (AA-11 Archer), and R-37M missile (AA-13 Arrow) for long-range engagements. It also carries air-to-ground weapons like the Kh-38 missile and Kh-59MK2 cruise missile, which is designed for high-value targets with low radar visibility and precision. The Su-57 can deploy guided bombs such as the KAB-250 and KAB-500, making it effective for close air support and strategic bombing. Additionally, it has a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon for close-range air combat and ground target strafing, adding to its versatility and lethality.

South Korea Orders Initial Batch of KF-21 Boramae Fighters, Marks Major Milestone"

 

South Korea has taken a significant step in its defense capabilities by ordering its first batch of KF-21 Boramae fighter jets, nine years after the project's inception. The government has signed a contract with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for the production of 20 jets. KAI has reported that the fighter’s development is 80% complete.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) awarded KAI a contract worth 1.96 trillion won (U.S. $1.41 billion) for the Block 1 batch of the KF-21, classified as 4.5-generation aircraft. The first delivery is scheduled for the end of 2026, with the final aircraft from this series expected by August 31, 2027.

KAI President Kang Goo-young acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have enabled the project to reach mass production. Jinseok Song, a member of KAI's KF-X program management team, stated last year that the company plans to produce 40 KF-21 Block I and 80 Block II aircraft. However, DAPA has initially ordered 20 jets, based on recommendations from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. The government may order an additional 20 jets next year after further performance verification. The KF-21 will replace South Korea’s retiring F-4 and F-5 fighters.

Block II production, slated for 2026-2028, will enhance the KF-21 with air-to-ground capabilities and expanded performance. About 2,200 test sorties are planned by 2026.

KAI has been preparing for this contract by establishing a supply chain with 600 domestic companies, building production facilities, and acquiring necessary tools. The company aims for a 65% localization rate, anticipating an increase in domestic production as the aviation industry ecosystem strengthens with the KF-21's mass production.

In addition, DAPA has signed a contract with Hanwha Systems for 20 active electronically scanned array radars worth 110 billion won. Hanwha Aerospace has also secured a 556 billion won contract to produce 40 General Electric F414-GE-400 engines and spares for the KF-21s. The first engine is expected by the end of 2025 from a new factory in Changwon, which aims to produce 300 engines annually.

Hanwha Aerospace has manufactured over 10,000 aircraft engines in the past 45 years, with 82% produced under license. This contract is seen as a stepping stone for developing next-generation engine technologies. Looking ahead, KAI plans to advance sixth-generation manned and unmanned system technologies.

KF-21 Fighter Project: Indonesia and South Korea Discuss Future Collaboration Amid Data Theft Concerns

 The CEO of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Gita Amperiawan, embarked on a two-day visit to South Korea on March 28, amidst ongoing investigations into alleged data theft linked to the joint KF-21 fighter jet project. Both the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) acknowledged the visit of the Indonesian official.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) plays a crucial role in Indonesia's aerospace sector and has been actively participating in the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet alongside KAI. The KF-21 project, launched in 2015, aims to deliver an advanced supersonic fighter by 2026.

While the purpose of Amperiawan's visit was not explicitly stated, discussions between Indonesian and South Korean officials likely revolved around the progress and future cooperation regarding the joint project. However, specific details of these discussions were not disclosed.

The visit comes in the aftermath of reports alleging an attempted data theft related to the KF-21 program by an employee of PTDI at KAI's headquarters in South Korea in January this year. This incident prompted a police investigation, raising concerns about its impact on the joint development initiative and broader Indonesia-South Korea aerospace collaboration.

The investigation primarily focuses on whether the stolen data contained sensitive technologies crucial to the KF-21 development. Consequently, Indonesian individuals are currently barred from leaving South Korea pending the investigation.

In February 2024, South Korean lawmakers advocated for stricter laws to prevent defense secrets leakage, highlighting the need for legislation to safeguard military expertise effectively. Delays in Indonesia's financial contributions to the KF-21 project have also raised concerns, with the nation owing a substantial amount to South Korea.

Despite these challenges, both countries continue to reaffirm their commitment to the KF-21 project, with recent announcements highlighting progress and prospects. South Korea's approval to produce 20 KF-21 Boramae fighters this year demonstrates its determination to advance the project, with plans to deploy 120 units by 2032.

The KF-21, featuring cost-effective yet advanced capabilities, is positioned to replace South Korea's aging fighter fleet and potentially cater to markets in Asia and the Middle East. While not classified as a stealth aircraft, its incorporation of stealth-like features and collaboration with Lockheed Martin contribute to its competitiveness in modern aerial warfare.