Fight's on: RMAF pushes for air dominance through systems integration, sensor fusion

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may need to look beyond fifth-generation fighters and consider sixth- or even seventh-generation aircraft if it wants to ensure the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) remains competitive well into the second half of the century.

Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Centre for Defence and International Security Studies director, Professor Dr Adam Leong Kok Wey, said this long-term perspective was critical as the new multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) acquired between 2035 and 2040 would be 15 to 20 years old by the time the RMAF reached the Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55) milestone in 2055.

"To ensure the MRCA remains technologically competitive beyond 2055, the RMAF needs to study and plan for future MRCA options, perhaps not just looking at sixth-generation aircraft, but possibly 6.5-generation or even seventh-generation MRCA."

He said the CAP55 roadmap envisioned the RMAF building its full spectrum of capabilities over 35 years, with new fighters introduced between 2035 and 2040.

He said the acquisition of advanced fighters was essential, but must be part of a larger system.

"The MRCA is just one element of a system of systems in today's air warfare."

He said modern air power required the seamless integration of sensors, communications and platforms across all services.

He said Malaysia was not under immediate pressure to procure fighters ahead of schedule.

"Based on RMAF's CAP55 plan, there is ample time for planned MRCA acquisitions. By then, the fifth-generation MRCA may be obsolete and overtaken by sixth-generation aircraft, which the RMAF can consider also.

BUILDING AIR POWER STRENGTH AS A SYSTEM

Leong said building true air power strength went beyond fighter aircraft numbers.

He said integrated defence today required a cycle of interconnected platforms: ground-based radars, airborne early warning and electronic warfare systems, refuelling tankers, reconnaissance through satellites or high-altitude balloons, precision guidance systems and command, control and communication networks.

"All these must work integrated and jointly across the armed forces, guided by an air power doctrine built on the foundation of sound strategy and tactics, supported by sustainable logistics."

He said future MRCA must be compatible with other services to achieve seamless joint network warfare.

The new MRCA should be able to data-link information and have sensor fusion and commonality with the electronic and digital technologies of the army and navy, he added.

CLOSING GAPS WITH NUMBERS AND DIPLOMACY

Defence and security analyst Professor Dr Mizan Aslam said Malaysia must not lose sight of its immediate needs.

He said the RMAF's current inventory needed to expand adequately to defend the country's vast airspace, which spans Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak.

"Malaysia ideally needs more assets in its arsenal. This would help complement Malaysia's vast air space."

Malaysia has more than 600,000 sq km of airspace, nearly twice the size of the United Kingdom.

Mizan said Malaysia could take advantage of strong international relationships to bridge this gap.

He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's good rapport with foreign leaders could help the country secure new assets on more favourable terms.

"The prime minister's good relationship with foreign nations can be leveraged to acquire new assets."