The missile warload for Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) Sukhoi Su-30MKM warplanes went on show this morning, giving the public what is believed to be their first look at these missiles in RMAF service.
These missiles made their public debut at the Malaysian Armed Forces 80th Anniversary Parade:
* Kh-29TE air-to-ground missile. NATO reporting name AS-14 Kedge. Range: 10km to 30km
* Kh-31P supersonic anti-radiation missile. NATO reporting name AS-17 Krypton. Range: 110km.
* Kh-59ME air-to-ground missile. NATO reporting name AS-13 Kingbolt. Range: 200km.
The missiles were carried on flat bed trailers as part of the RMAF contingent. Also shown were American-made missiles such as the Harpoon, Sidewinder and Sparrow.
The Russian-made ordnance are game changers for the RMAF as they allow its Su-30MKMs to hit targets from long-range and at ingress speeds far higher than that of comparable western munitions. The long reach of these missiles puts the RMAF pilots and WSOs out of the defensive envelope of most surface-to-air missile systems.
The supersonic Kh-31P anti-radiation missiles, in particular, could potentially unhinge air defence systems that rely on radars to scan the airspace and guide SAMs to their targets.
The RMAF is not known to have publicised live-firing trials of these missiles.
The pictures posted here indicate how close the MAF allowed this blog to approach the parade and Mobile Column. Many thanks for the courtesy this morning.
Kh-59ME air-to-ground missile
67 comments:
until officially tested and verified by 3rd party. they are nothing more then mere plastic models on flatbed trucks.
Did the Russians confirmed they had delivered those weapons to Malaysia?
The last time the RMAF bought the MIG-29M, the Russians didn't provide them with missiles because Malaysia cant afford or refuse to pay cold hard cash for them.
In the end, Malaysia had to purchase ex-ukranian expired stocks to arm their MIG-29M.
Dear All,
Some things to consider:
1. Yesterday's parade was telecast "live" by RTM (Radio Television Malaysia).
2. The reviewing officer was the Malaysian Prime Minister.
3. A large crowd thronged the parade marching route.
4. And they allowed media and photographers within spitting distance of the military hardware.
They set the stage. They had their audience. All the MAF had to do was to put on a good show.
Having been brought up reporting on the MINDEF/SAF approach to defence acquisitions, I tend to use this approach as the baseline frame of reference for the ops-tech side of the house.
There is also the info ops dimension one should consider. In this instance, using parade elements as a tool for defence posturing and to shape perceptions for a home ("A Formidable MAF. Sovereignty Safeguarded") and foreign audience.
For me: Message received. Loud and clear.
There will be more reports in coming days.
Best regards,
David
Reaction from immediate neighbors.
Singaporean: dig nose
Indonesian: yawn
Pino: farts
Thai: snore
Brunei: dig ear
Where did Malaysia got that KH-59ME plastic model?
it looks to be in very poor shape, the front canards of the missile is missing and the rear fin control are missing too.
Clearly the KH59ME is a reflection of the "modern" MAF, fighter plane no engine, submarine cannot dive, patrol boat sinks 10 meters from dock.
Malaysia has a much smaller defence budget to support a much larger force and secure a much larger border. Some of their acquisitions are outright corrupt but even so, they have to get by with much less. I don't understand how some Singaporeans see things, it suggests they would have difficulty if they are less than fully equipped.
About the missiles, we don't disclose every capability that we have either. We don't see JSOW at our AFOH, much less a firing.
The fact that the crew of the old patrol boat whose prop shaft broke in the South China Sea managed to sail back to base without help is a credit to the crew's training.
"much smaller budget to support a much larger force and secure a much larger border"
Have to disagree on size of force. Standing Army yes but as a whole, it is one third the size of the SAF.
Problem with Malaysian acquisition programs (if we call a spade a spade) is that they are piece meal non-holistic) in tendency. Integration and maintenance are massive (and costly) issues.
They don't get as much bang for the buck in the long run even though some of the deals seem to appear as 'bargains'(with appropriate kick backs of course).
Can't say it looks as impressive as what the SAF put together several years back for the Padang but good try lah.
Low budget wayang is after all, also wayang right?:D
Butthurt Singkaporean detected!! hahhaha
Dear Anon @8.29 am,
So poorly is your opinion of the MAF, perhaps the SAF could easily march and overrun the whole stretch of the peninsular with the uniforms staying crisp and clean 24/7 and boots gleaming from dawn to dusk ( of course with a Pinoy nanny in tow).
Use it for wut it is. More reason to expand our military capabilities.
They have enough problems as it is. The country is starve of money. Our greater worry is whether the country does not de evolve and dis stabilizes triggering problems for Singapore.
very kampong feeling.
where else in this world will you find a military parade where they use photocopy paper printed with the weapon name and stick onto the weapon with scotch tape?
David,
The Kh-29, Kh-31P and Kh-59ME were first displayed in 2010 at a RMAF Open Day in Subang. Trials were first performed over the Melaka Straits, we found out because a 'Notice to Mariners' was issued.
Anonymous said...
''The last time the RMAF bought the MIG-29M, the Russians didn't provide them with missiles because Malaysia cant afford or refuse to pay cold hard cash for them.
In the end, Malaysia had to purchase ex-ukranian expired stocks to arm their MIG-29M''.
Absolute nonsense ..... The RMAF didn't buy anything from the Ukraine for its MiG-29Ns; it did buy Archers and Alamos direct from Vympel. I actually saw the missiles in Kuantan back in the late 1990's; the markings clearly indicated that they had arrived straight from Vympel.
Anonymous said...
''Where did Malaysia got that KH-59ME plastic model?
it looks to be in very poor shape, the front canards of the missile is missing and the rear fin control are missing too.
Clearly the KH59ME is a reflection of the "modern" MAF, fighter plane no engine, submarine cannot dive, patrol boat sinks 10 meters from dock.''
The so-call platic model is for ground instruction and was provided when actual missiles were bought. Funny about you claiming the subs can't dive - a good friend just got back from sea in a sub that actually travelled underwater. At least try to get your facts right before hitting the keyboard ..... Easy to make wild claims but backing up those claims with hard facts is a slightly different matter. If you want to maintain the illusion that only the MAF has it share of cock-ups, knock yourself out.
Anonymous said...
''where else in this world will you find a military parade where they use photocopy paper printed with the weapon name and stick onto the weapon with scotch tape?''
True, but at least nobody participating in the parade faints or passes out from heat stroke.
F, the subs could not dive when they were first bought- the government admitted this when it said the fault would be fixed under warranty. But the subs have long since dived.
Engines stolen- not a defence of Malaysia, but it is rumoured that 8 engines were stolen from Tel Nof Air Base. Whether false or that the Israelis are just better at keeping secret, no one knows.
*apply cold water to burn area*
I'm not at all disputing that the sub had technical problems that prevented it from diving shortly after it was delivered. The problem however was fixed whilst the sub was under a period of warranty and the same problem was not encountered with the 2nd sub. All this was years ago.... but ''informed'' chaps still like to claim that the subs still can't dive - either because they're genuinely ignorant or just for the sake of making false smart ass comments. In the run up to the recent General Elections, opposition bloggers were adament that both subs were still incapable of diving, this depite a major figure from an opposition party having participated in a dive on board one of the subs....
Yes I heard about the incident in Israel. There was also an inccident years ago when a biker gang in Sweden managed to ''buy'' a couple of Carl Gustavs from someone at a base and used them during a brawl. Cock-ups happen the world over, not just in the MAF; problem is people tend to overlook the fact that the MAF is placed under much greater public scrutiny [compared to certain other militaries] and the the opposition and the media here are more vocal about what they can publicly say about the MAF.
@F
what hard facts did you provide thus far?
a friends' statement; my father was from outerspace, he took me on a ride to alpha centauri on his space ship.
a personal account; I saw darth vader landed in kuantan back in late 1990s.
a notice to mariner, all ships please avoid x and y; we got death star testing the death ray in Melaka straits.
such hard facts are truly hard to challenge eh?
many of the problems of MAF was in public news. most were confirmed by Malaysian ministers and govt sources.
but we know Malaysia ministers and govt are not very well trusted by its own people, so those must be lies as well.
Anon@7.29am,
Now what's bugging you, really? Had a fight with your missus last night?
The Malaysian government is now focused on fixing the economy. Military purchases will take a back seat for several years. MAF will have to use koyok where it can. Hopefully, it succeeds otherwise...
http://dho.ca/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/200060_211962388820523_100000202906364_961621_2398441_n-384x500.jpg
who said our submarine can't dive? watchout ur comment bro, our scorpene class far away better then your second hand submarine, hahaha
KD Tar, exocet missile life firing test
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jP6VFtY4IFw
These are not a threat... MAF are trying to use stand off weapons but Singapore can take them down anyway. Asters are capable of striking ballistic missiles so these Russian ASM is not even a problem to begin with. The problem is if their standoff strategy fails... what happens? Well... there will be no MAF thereafter.
Anyway, the question is how the Indonesia view these weapons. How will they react?
Anon@9.52
That is call a thinking soldier.
But in malaysia, your son carry bags for their maid and clean their toilet?
Oh please. Our submarines are quieter, more tech infused, cheaper and we have 6 of them. And what makes you think that they do not carry missiles...Bla bla bla...it is pointless making comparisons with an armed forces which has some 3 times the budget of the maf and growing larger still.
Anon@11.19
Your submarines are sitting ducks for our F-50 Fokker MPA.
We wont even need to send in our S-60B anti-sub helo.
You armchair defence analysts are pathetic. Would someone actually display their ACTUAL arsenal? Mock-ups are the next best thing. These parades are meant to be a tool to display to the public that we are well equipped to face any threat and not to show off muscles. My advice is.....if you cant make intelligent assessments, do not assume based on what you read in below-par blogs, alternative media or even non-verified materials. You can shoot off insults all you want but at the end of the day, you are still a useless MF who has done nothing for the defence of you country. If you really want to contribute, sign up for the SAF, MAF or whatever Fs there are.......BE A MAN!
So many people bitching here as if Malaysia and Singapore are better enemies.
Anonymous said...
@F
''what hard facts did you provide thus far?
a friends' statement; my father was from outerspace, he took me on a ride to alpha centauri on his space ship.
a personal account; I saw darth vader landed in kuantan back in late 1990s.
a notice to mariner, all ships please avoid x and y; we got death star testing the death ray in Melaka straits.
such hard facts are truly hard to challenge eh?''
Actually, the onus is on you to provide facts as you were the one who made the claim that the subs still can't dive. As I said before, it's easy to make wild claims and smart ass comments [which any disgruntled child can do] but it's a different matter entirely backing up those claims ...
Personally, I think its a shame; David has done an excellent job with this blog but there are people who seen incapable of acting like adults and saying anything of substance ...
It appears there is a troll lurking in David's blog waiting to pounce on any posting on the MAF. From the writing style, I suspect it is a single troll making multipe anon comments. I would hazard a guess that this troll has been banned before from similar forums by his fellow countrymen.
It is a really a shame as the troll usually distracts attention from the gist of as David's very balanced and thoughful posts on the MAF.
Additionally the troll creates an impression that there is animosity between MY and SG when in reality there is none. David was in KL as a guest of the MAF (not his first and neither would this be the last time) and that the MAF harbours no ill intention towards it's neighbours.
Dear Singaporeans, bring your best troops / legendary commando to overrun our commando. GV a try since u guys look down upon us. We don't need high tech weapon against u guys.
Apek2 sudah marah. Budak Bandar banyak komen. Puui! Singaporeans always complaining. Ask yourself whether ur troops got real war experience or not? Small coutry, and u dreamed to hv a big army? such a joke.
Anon @ 3:46
A single troll it might be, but the seeds of hatred have been planted in many by the regimes on all sides.
Give it a rest, guys! Nobody profits from this hatred except the leaders who distract you from your own country's problems!
Relations between the countries are in fact fine and they exercise with each other several times a year. Why do you think the leaders say nasty provocative things about each other's country from time to time? Why do you think they keep telling you your family will be raped if there is no strong SAF? It is a show!
Cool it guys, please don't poke each other. Be a responsible adult and since when we are a threat to each other? Hundreds of thousand of MYs work in SIN and thousand of SINs owned properties in MY and holiday here. We need each other in so many ways.
It is in fact interesting to see the amount of hardware of both armed forces combined. True, SAF got money and tech but MAF will be there in no time.
Eh hello..no need to send over our commandos. Your leaders are doing a fine job ruining the country.ty
@pak ghani, the SAF does have an army much bigger then MAF, about 3 times bigger.
the SAF don't have war experience, neither does MAF.
@ian
Wait till MAF is there, then come talk big like MAF will be there in no time.
@anon3.46 There are more then one troll, last count the troll numbers nearly a million.
They are armed to the teeth, as mahatir said, Singapore got so much weapon, every Singaporean baby is born with 2 rifles.
Anon 8:57, 3 times bigger?? , Malaysian have 14,817,517 troops while you guys only have 1,255,902, we r about 13x bigger then your, hahahaha
And not military trained and who will book the first flight out of Malaysia when trouble comes,
How about Singaporeans, own heritage going extinct, forced to accept and defend PRC and Indians. So many weapons but cannot defend against this.
haha...i think some of them not remember the Bukit Batok Air Base scenario
There was never an air base there. You guys live your lives believing in rumours and speculations instead of making things happen for the better of all. Shesssh.
How about you fix your own illegal immigrant problems b4 seeing fit about talking about others. How does having a crutch - bumiputra policy feel? Pathetic
Malaysia find Mas Selamat for you. Recently find your killer policeman.
We are very friendly neighbour.
But everyone relak lah. Both side got good and bad.Nobody is perfect.
Integration must be an issue.
So many different operating systems from different NATO, Non-NATO etc.
Actually always wondered why Malaysia never bothered trying to get second hand F18c/d. Probably still the more effective platform (with missiles) over these Russian systems.
With Mahatir out of the way, surely made some logistic sense.
SU30s probably better from a LR intercept POV (and there for none alligned reasons in part). But Hornets (with upgrade)could have done the dirty ground support work.
Would enable whatever existing remnants of MIG29s to retire (or for the matter Hawks or F5s!)
Hawks and F-5 can stay. They are just a cheap aircraft to patrol the border in peace time, don't need to retired or integrate them.
When illegal immigrants form 60% of the population of Malaysia by 2030, then you talk down to Malaysia.
Wonder why Singaporeans so butthurt when malaysian display "cheap plastic missiles"
Since numbers have been discussed, I want to question the figure for the SAF's reserve personnel of "950,000" on wikipedia. Less than 18,000 male citizen babies are born every year.
We cannot have more than 540,000 reserve personnel in the SAF, Police and Civil Defence between the ages of 20 and 50. We have to account for those few thousand enlisted into the police and civil defence, those few unable to serve and so on. I often read the figure of 350,000 in the SAF which is far more plausible. More than sufficient, minding you that calling up every male is neither possible nor necessary for any war.
This blog has already covered that as our population grows in future, our NS intake will shrink because immigrants are either non-citizens not subject to NS or decide not to take citizenship at age 18.
Was at the vicinity during the performance by the Malaysian armed forces. I don't think they flew plastic jets and helicopters aggressively 300m above the spectators head..
@unknown
if they can fly plastic jets, I would be impressed.
hate malaysia, lets war with them and take JB! :)
Damn good idea la Ah Seng. Don't stop at JB, go to Kota Tinggi and Mersing, beautiful beaches, Pontian, plenty of fish, Muar, durian damn syiok, Batu Pahat, food so cheap. Aiyaa, no need to conquer la.. let's emigrate to JB..!
What have you been taught about Malaysia by people who want to distract you from your own country's problems?
With regards to advanced US technology, I cannot wait for what already happened to Taiwan and Japan to happen to Singapore. It will teach my government a lesson.
Emigrate to JB and what..become a 2nd class citizen to bumis?
Why did you say that? There are about 160+ other countries in the world to emigrate to.
When Singapore and Malaysia disagree, ATM does nothing. When Indonesia and Malaysia disagree, TNI sends ships and F-16s to Ambalat. Is Malaysia aggressive?
so many keyboard worriers across the causeway
until now i didn't see any real missiles in singapork.. my conclusion is singapork don't have any missile.
Little red dotted country is really butthurt didn't ya.This sepet country that still depend on Malaysia courtesy pipeline water to drink to bath to cook also still talk big heh.we really dont bother if all of you buttsepet face think our munitions is only a plastic model.The country who is playing wayang are Singapore.The battle unproven country with Comunist idealisme is you.
stop all this fighting.
Malaysia need military force to protect from Indonesia, as indonesia claim this land belong to them.
Singapore need military force for? Protect them self from? Singapore is kick out from Malaysia and not fight to independent. there is no point people will attack singapore, as singapore have zero natural resources. What those singaporean do not ask their gov for so high budget for military but is more than just for wayang? The money can be better use to help the poor singaporean right?
I Really cannot brain the singaporean that are so proud of their military but their military never ever been to war. And who Singapore military need to protect them from? Who will waste all the effort to attack a zero resources tiny island? I suspend it more like used to enrich their cronies.
singapork work closely with israelli, these sum out all u need to know about them. They f**** dont care about anyone else
"Kh-31P anti-radiation missile (Type 77P) - passive seeker head for use as an anti-radiation missile. Stays at high altitude throughout its flight, allowing higher speeds and increasing range to 110 km (60 nmi/ 70 mi). The seeker has three interchangeable modules to cover different radar frequency bands, but they can only be changed at the factory."
Fixed passive seeker means static mode, which also translate into many advantages for the defending side. Nuff said~!
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