Malaysia's surprise upgrade: SU‑30 fighters get new lease of life
According to the Ukrainian portal Defense Express, Malaysia has independently upgraded its Su-30 fighters. This announcement comes as a surprise, given the country's previous difficulties in obtaining spare parts for these aircraft.
Malaysia possesses 18 Su-30MKM fighters. By early February 2024, concerns were ongoing due to the constant maintenance required for this equipment. However, owing to sanctions on the Russian defence industry, Malaysia struggled to acquire necessary spare parts. The retirement of these aircraft was considered, but the issue has now been resolved.
Did help come from India?
Malaysia initially planned to retire the Su-30MKM fighters, but it tackled the parts shortage and announced success in extending the aircraft's operational life. The service work was conducted by the state-owned corporation Aerospace Technology Systems (ATSC), which was established to provide technical support for the Su-30MKM. According to Defense Express, modernising one aircraft costs approximately £21 million. The upgrade has reportedly increased the service life of each aircraft by 1,500 flight hours or 10 years of operation.
Despite these achievements, it remains unclear how Malaysia executed the Su-30 modernisation programme, especially given that plans to retire the aircraft were still under consideration in 2024. Defence Express analysts suggest that Malaysia might have received assistance from India. It is recommended that the essential parts for maintenance may have come from India.
Russians also have problems
It's also noteworthy that Russia faces considerable challenges securing aircraft components, forcing them to depend on allies and source support from abroad. For example, between 2022 and 2023, the Russian manufacturer of the Su-30 purchased components from abroad for nearly £347 million. During this period, Malaysia was among the countries where the Russian Federation procured parts.
The Su-30MKM is a variant developed for the Malaysian Air Force and based on the Su-30MK export version. The aircraft is powered by two Lyulka AL-31FP turbofan engines, propelling it to a maximum speed of approximately 2,120 km/h at high altitudes. The Su-30MKM's range is estimated to be around 3,000 km. Its armament primarily includes a 30 mm GSh-30-1 aircraft cannon. Additionally, there is capacity for extra weaponry on 12 attachment points, with a total carrying capacity of roughly 8,100 kg.
