Aermacchi MB-339 to be replaced with new dual-function aircraft- Ikmal Hisham

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30  -- Seven training aircraft of the Aermacchi MB-339 model under the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) are to be replaced with single platform aircraft with dual-function as a Fighter Lead-in Trainer and Light combat aircraft.

Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz said operations of the Italian-made aircraft which entered RMAF service in 2009 have been grounded since 2018 after an accident in Kuantan, Pahang, along with and other incidents of engine glitches.  

He said procurement of new aircraft as replacement comes under its 10-year future force structure programme from 2021-2030 under the RMAF Capability Development Plan 2055 (CAP55).

“Based on the economic lifespan of a fighter aircraft and the CAP55, this aircraft (Aermacchi MB-339) was scheduled to end operations in 2028.

“Procurement of new dual-function aircraft not only means good returns for saving government expenditure but also reinforces the national defence,”  he said during the question-and-answer session in the  Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to a question from Wong Shu Qi  (PH-Kluang) on when operations of the Aermacchi MB-339CM would be ended and also on the flying log of the seven planes to date. 

Ikmal Hisham said the direction of the Italian aircraft’s future will be determined once the Directorate General Technical Airworthiness (DGTA) completes its audit on the  Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the engine.

“The audit was scheduled last year but postponed due to the pandemic factor,” he said.

Ikmal Hisham said the seven aircraft have logged some 5,961 Air Frame Hours.

-- BERNAMA