Proposed Sale of 10 Units of Sniper Advanced Targeting Pods Worth US$80 Million to Malaysia
It was announced on May 7 that approval had been given for the sale of 10 units of the Sniper ATP following a request from the Malaysian government, potentially for use on RMAF's F/A-18D fighter aircraft.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The United States’ Department of State has announced the potential sale of 10 units of the Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP) to the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) valued at US$80 million (RM379 million).
It was announced on May 7 that approval had been given for the sale of 10 units of the Sniper ATP following a request from the Malaysian government, potentially for use on RMAF’s F/A-18D fighter aircraft.
The proposed sale includes technical data and publications, training of personnel, training equipment and software, logistical support elements, and program assistance.
“The proposed sale will improve Malaysia’s capability to meet current and future threats by modernizing its current F/A-18D platform with a common targeting pod.”
“This proposed sale will also mitigate future obsolescence concerns and allow the Royal Malaysian Air Force to meet future operational requirements. Malaysia will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces,” a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said.
It also said, this proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a key partner that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.
It also said that the sale of the equipment would not alter the military balance of power in the region.
The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, located in Orlando, FL, and The Boeing Company, located in St. Louis, MO.
Currently, RMAF operates eight F/A-18D Hornet fighter aircraft developed by Boeing.
In addition, RMAF also has 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter aircraft using Thales’ “Damocles” targeting pods.
Apart from the F/A-18D fighter aircraft, there is also the possibility that the Sniper ATP is intended for use on the FA-50M light fighter aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which will begin receiving them in October 2026.
Previously, KAI also confirmed that Malaysia’s FA-50M aircraft would use the Sniper ATP.
Last August, the United States Department of Defense agreed to sell a total of 34 Sniper ATP units worth US$124.7 million (RM561 million) to be installed on South Korea-made FA-50 light fighter aircraft bought by Poland.
The 200kg Sniper ATP targeting pod is an electro-optical target tracking system housed in a pod responsible for managing high-precision target tracking and reconnaissance efforts, air-to-air and air-to-ground missions on land and sea.
It consists of a high-definition sensor and laser spot tracker and can accurately support laser-guided weapon systems and GPS-guided weapon systems in targeting moving and static targets.
The Sniper ATP targeting pod will enable the FA-50 aircraft to identify, track, and engage targets from standoff ranges, as well as enhance interoperability with other NATO member countries.
The Sniper ATP targeting pod is a proven targeting pod with capabilities demonstrated in U.S. combat zones as well as international customers and is used by F-15E, F-16 (all blocks), B-1, A-10C, Harrier GR7/9, and F/A-18 aircraft.
The Sniper ATP’s “plug and play” capability allows it to be used on various platforms without the need to change software.
Among the capabilities of the Sniper ATP targeting pod are mid-wave Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) high definition, HDTV, dual-mode laser, laser spot tracker, laser marker, video data link, and digital data recorder.
The targeting pod also has the ability to track tactical targets through real-time imagery streamed to the cockpit display.
Sniper ATP is also compatible with the latest “J-Series” bombs for use against moving and stationary targets. — DSA
