HAL lures Malaysia with BrahMos-NG on Tejas Mk1A

Source : RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG.

A mock up of the future air launched cruise missile BrahMos NG on LCA Tejas showcased at Aero India 2019. Photo courtesy: BrahMos Aerospace

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has been offered Brahmos-NG, a lighter sleeker variant of the Indo-Russian cruise missile that will be fielded in 2024 to be equipped on the Tejas Mk1A single-seater jets that are on offer in response to the tender floated for 18 jets. 1.5-ton Brahmos-NG is half the dimensions of the Brahmos missiles currently in service today with the Indian Air Force (IAF), Army, and the Navy and each Tejas Mk1A can carry two Brahmos-NG that can be used for Anti-Ship missile (AShM) and Ground strike missions.

Tejas Mk1A presently is not equipped with an anti-ship missile (AShM) as its role in Indian Air Force (IAF) is of air defense and close air support roles with a secondary role of the ground strike. RMAF is looking for jets that can be used primarily as air defense roles with a secondary role of maritime strike capabilities for which HAL Brahmos-NG was one of the missiles that were offered apparently.

RMAF is looking to procure 10 Single seater Combat ready fighter jets and 8 Lead-in fighter training (LIFT) for which Fire Control Radar (FCR) is not mandatory. RMAF estimates a deal to cost 4 Billion RM for which 2 Billion RM will be paid via Palm oil barter deal. RMAF also has asked for air-to-air refueling capabilities, beyond-visual-range missile capabilities, 30% local production and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for which HAL has agreed to these terms.

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