Avitronics warning system for RMAF Sukhois
PETALING JAYA: South African defence electronics company Avitronics has won a contract to supply 18 multi-sensor warning systems for MalaysiaÂ’s Sukhoi fighter jets.
Chief executive for marketing, Anton Kieck, said the first and second phases of the order were valued about RM80mil.
He said an order for the first phase was received two weeks ago and engineers were already in Moscow to ensure that the system integrates into the Russian-made fighters.
Avitronics hope to receive orders for the second phase – the development of the prototype – by year’s end, and finally the production of the systems, which would take about 18 months.
“The Malaysian Government specified a westernised avionics suite for its Sukhoi fleet and this will be the first time that the Avitronics multi-sensor warning system be used on a Russian fighter aircraft,” he said.
This order follows numerous government-to-government negotiations and the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between South Africa and Malaysia for greater co-operation in the defence industry.
Avitronics is 49% owned by Swedish car and aircraft maker Saab.
Kieck said Avitronics was also keen to supply electronic warfare protection systems to the Royal Malaysian Air Force fleet of Agusta A109 light reconnaissance helicopters and C-130 transport aircrafts.
Over the last three years, Malaysia had purchased 18 Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets worth more than RM3bil and 11 Agusta helicopters worth RM286mil.
