Malaysia’s Defence Minister Witnesses Contract Handover for RMAF Sukhoi Su-30MKM 10th Year SLEP
Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, conducted a working visit to Gong Kedak Air Base in Terengganu, where he officiated the Contract Handover Ceremony for the 10th Year Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia’s Defence Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, conducted a working visit to Gong Kedak Air Base in Terengganu, where he officiated the Contract Handover Ceremony for the 10th Year Service Life Extension Programme (SLEP) for the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).
The SLEP program for the Su-30MKM fleet was carried out by the local company, Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation (ATSC).
“The objective is to ensure that the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s aircraft remain in optimum condition, thus strengthening the nation’s sovereignty,” he stated.
He added that ATSC undertook Service Life Extension and Preventive Restoration Works/Overhaul as part of the program, enabling the aircraft to remain operational for another 10 years.
This approach also reduces national expenditure compared to sending the jets to Russia for similar upgrades.
Mohamed Khaled emphasized that this achievement reflects the capabilities of Malaysia’s local defense industry.
However, he urged local companies to continuously enhance their capabilities, adopt innovative approaches, and explore new opportunities and collaborations to strengthen the sector further.
The visit also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ATSC and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) for research and innovation in defense technology, as well as a welfare contribution ceremony benefiting nine individuals with disabilities from the Gong Kedak Air Base.
The contract for the procurement of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters was signed on August 5, 2003, during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA).
The first delivery took place in 2007, with all aircraft received by 2009.
Established on June 25, 1994, ATSC Sdn Bhd (Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation Sdn Bhd) is a subsidiary of National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI).
The company is responsible for maintaining RMAF’s Su-30MKM fleet and previously serviced the now-retired MiG-29N fighter jets.
Under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), the Su-30MKM fleet underwent structural and systems maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operations.
This included replacing components that had exceeded their service life and conducting comprehensive inspections of aircraft systems to maintain performance and safety.
In the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), SLEP will transition to a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program aimed at modernizing technology, avionics, radar systems, and weaponry to ensure the aircraft remain relevant and capable of meeting modern operational and combat challenges.
The RMAF’s Su-30MKM is a 4+ generation multirole fighter equipped with the N011M Bars radar, advanced avionics from Russia, France, and South Africa, and AL-31FP engines with 3D thrust vectoring capabilities.
The aircraft can achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 and an operational range of up to 3,000 km without additional fuel tanks.
It is capable of carrying various weapon systems, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and guided bombs.
Developed by Sukhoi Aviation Corporation in collaboration with Irkut Corporation, the Su-30MKM is a specialized variant tailored to meet the operational requirements of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.