ALOR GAJAH: The government’s decision to buy 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft worth RM4.08bil from South Korea takes into account various factors, including the country’s policies and strategy, said Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari.
He said the aspect of expertise in operating the aircraft as well as the country’s current economy were also considered to ensure the assets are fully utilised.
“What matters most is we can deliver it to the end user within the set period,” he told reporters after launching the Alor Gajah parliamentary service centre here yesterday, reported Bernama.
According to Adly, based on the ministry’s assessment, the FA-50 light attack aircraft produced by Korea Aerospace Industries Co (KAI) was the best.
KAI, which is South Korea’s sole aircraft manufacturer, on Friday said it has secured a US$920mil (RM4.08bil) contract to sell the fighters to Malaysia, with delivery to begin in 2026.
KAI signed the deal with the Defence Ministry, beating India’s Tejas, Pakistan’s JF-17, Russia’s MIG-35 and Turkiye’s Hurjet, Yonhap news agency reported the company said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Adly said the ministry’s main priority through the allocation channelled by the government under Budget 2023 would be to improve its assets.
He said several new assets would be purchased with the allocation, including Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) and Littoral Mission Ships (LMS).
“The Budget 2023 allocation (to the ministry) this time increased by 1.7% to RM17.7bil compared to RM17.4bil in the previous Budget 2023 (tabled prior to the 15th General Election),” he added.
According to Adly, the allocation of over RM500mil for the renovation and maintenance of residential quarters for military personnel was also a timely morale boost for them.
Apart from that, he said the project to increase domestic maize production by military veterans in collaboration with the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) would give veterans the opportunity to contribute to the country and to ensure productivity after retirement.
“Their welfare will also be guaranteed because there will be job opportunities and good income, in addition to providing exposure to new technology as well as helping to improve the country’s food security,” he added.
In another development, Adly said the Defence Ministry would ensure the welfare of the family of army commando Lans Koperal Edrin Baintim, who drowned while on combat dive training, is taken care of.
On Feb 7, L/Kpl Edrin, 25, a member of the army’s special forces unit, was reported missing while undergoing diving training 0.7 nautical miles south-west of Pulau Undan.
He is said to have disappeared during the “Pari Harimau” diving exercise off Melaka.
His body was found in a mangrove swamp in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor by members of the public at about 10.15am on Feb 19.
