Since mid-1990s, Russia has been a major supplier of advanced military equipment to Malaysia. The most important sales were those of MiG-29 interceptors and Su-30MKI multirole fighters. Based on the strong footing, the cooperation between our countries is expending into civil field. At Farnborough International Airshow 2010 (19-25 July) Crecom Burj Resources Limited placed firm order for fifty MS-21 next-generation narrow body jetliners. The contract worth $3billion went to Irkut corporation that previously supplied Sukhoi fighters to Malaysia. Deliveries of the MS-21 jets are due to start in 2016. On one occasion we happened to get some exclusive moments with high-ranking Malaysian military leaders and asked them some questions about their vision of the current state and future of the Russo-Malaysian cooperation in combat and civil aviation.

We spoke to Minister of defense Dato Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, and asked him about his impressions from inspection of the MS-21 full scale mockup. Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi replied with the following words: “It is a very impressive mockup. I think the MS-21 is the aircraft of the future. It is certainly a very good passenger jetliner for the airlines. It has a new, very promising Pratt&Whitney engine and a very advanced crew station. Also, the interior design is pleasing. It offers very comfortable conditions for the travelers”.

We were also interested in the Su-30MKM, how the new multirole fighter performs in the Malaysian service and whether it has sufficient support from the manufacturer? “We are satisfied with the aircraft itself, MRO and pilot training”, the minister answered. “We are also satisfied with the transfer of technology as far as the offset program is concerned. At the same time, we are very satisfied with the performance of the Su-30MKM, and have no problems with maintenance and logistics support”. The minister stressed that, on the whole, the Su-30MKM project looks like a good investment for Malaysia. The money was well spent potential-wise. Although the spending was high, the Royal Malaysian air force (RMAF) has notably increased its anti-aircraft defense and aerial strike capabilities with inclusion of the Su-30MKM fighters in its arsenal.

We further asked whether the defense ministry can be interested in buying commercial aircraft for its own needs if the aircraft of such type are in service with local airliners. “Depending on the military specs”, - the minister answered. “We are definitely looking for possibilities to support our operations. Surely, we are talking about some requirements for new aircraft not so much for combat, but for transport missions”. Every country with a potent air force operates special mission aircraft developed on the platforms of commercial jetliners, including VVIP, electronic warfare aircraft etc.

We were also able to speak to Chief of Defense Forces, General Tan Sri Dato Sri Azizan bin Ariffin. Our first question was: “What did you like most in the MS-21 mockup?” Azizan said he was deeply impressed by the large liquid crystal displays in the MS-21 cockpit. “This kind of displays is impressive. Obviously, the most recent technology has been used in these displays, which is good. The cockpit is highly digitalized. The modern technologies make it easier for the pilots to control the aircraft. I am sure the pilots will love this advanced flight deck, since it is indeed a lot more modern as compared to the current generation of jetliners”.

We went on discussing the interior of the MS-21 passenger cabin. “This is what private airlines are basically looking for. They want their airplanes to be comfortable, good-looking and spacious”, Azizan commented.

“The warplanes from the Sukhoi company are now in service with the Royal Malaysian air force. Do you like the Su-30MKM fighters?” Having heard this question, the general cheered up and exclaimed: “Oh yes! It is a very good platform, the Sukhoi aircraft are awesome fighters! We are very happy with it”. All of the 18 aircraft ordered have been delivered and are now in RMAF squadron service. The general went on: “Irkut, which manufactured these aircraft, did its job very well. Sukhoi Coporation has also done well. Speaking on behalf of the Air Force, and the Armed Forces of Malaysia, I say: we like our Sukhoi fighters”.

Touching on the developer’s and manufacturer’s support, Azizan said it can be further improved. “We should be getting a better response. We need a better arrangement – this is what we had been talking about with the Russian companies on the MiG-29 fighters. I have many times spoken to the president of Irkut Corporation Mr. Oleg Demchenko and the president of the United Aircraft Corporation Mr. Alexey Fedorov on this there. I have repeatedly told them that we want to help them promote Russian products in our region, and that a better functioning support system is important to support sales in this region”.

We were also interested what is happening to the RMAF MiG-29s. “They are still flying”, the general collaborated. Commenting on the wide spread rumors as though these MiGs would “soon” be withdrawn from service, he said: “Yes, there was much speculation about this, but the aircraft are still flying. They need some upgrades, and the cost of ownership shall be brought down. But we are pretty confident that we can find ways to approach the problems of high cost of the MiG-29 maintenance”.

“How shall the Russian makers improve so as to serve your needs better?” This happened to be another question that excited the general, and made him speak emotionally: “I suggest you ask Mr. Fedorov about this. He can give you the best answer on my behalf! I have been talking a lot to him about this. This is the issues that we often discuss with our Russian partners, and we do it regularly. Running this business today needs a complex approach. In the modern world the issue of customer support has to be different to what we have now. There are some areas where Russia is moving fast, and there are some areas where Russia is still lagging behind the West”.

In many words Azizan explained that, in his view, the manufacturers need to do their business in a cooperative manner with the customers and the industries of the buying nations. If the business is not run in a cooperative manner with the importing countries, than the manufacturer who has made sales but has not involved local companies in the business, continues to face competition with a bunch of companies from other exporting countries, including the big ones from the US and Western Europe. And these are eager to displace the Russian competitor. “Russia can substantially increase its sales potential if its manufacturers make serious steps to resolve all these problems I have been discussing with Oleg Demchenko and Alexey Fedorov”, Azizan concluded.