Russian-made Sukhoi Su-30MKM (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) multirole combat aircraft will shape the backbone of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) in the coming years, a source from the service told TASS at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2019 (LIMA 2019) that is being held in Malaysia from March 26-30.

Su 30MKM to shape Royal Malaysian Air Forces backbone Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM (Picture source: Carl Brent)

"We are operating the Su-30MKM fighter jets. At present, they shape the RMAF`s backbone and will retain their status as Malaysia`s main air combat platform," said the source.

According to him, the RMAF operates two squadrons of multirole combat aircraft, which are armed with Su-30MKMs and F/A-18D Super Hornets, respectively. "The structure of these units will remain the same. Moreover, we are now extending the service life of the Sukhoi fighters. The modernization of the Russian-made platforms is also being considered," said the source.

According to the Military Balance 2018 analytical report released by the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), the RMAF flies 18 Su-30MKM fighter jets.

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