The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is looking to upgrade its Su-30MKM fighter jets with powerful BrahMos-A missiles, which are currently only used by India. 

To explore this plan, Malaysia has started early talks with Indian defense companies.

If successful, this move could strengthen military ties between the two countries and give Malaysia’s air force a major boost in firepower. 

However, the upgrade will be complex and costly and could take several years to complete.

Royal Malaysian Air Force Plans to Arm Su-30MKMs with BrahMos-A

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), which flies 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets, is interested in upgrading them to carry the BrahMos-A air-launched cruise missile. 

This missile is currently only used by India’s Air Force (IAF) on its Su-30MKI jets. 

To explore this idea, Malaysia has started initial talks with Indian companies Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BrahMos Corporation.

The BrahMos-A is a special version of the missile made for launching from fighter jets. It’s lighter by about 500 kg than the versions used on land or ships. 

HAL has already worked on integrating the missile onto India’s Su-30MKI jets, which required significant changes to the aircraft’s structure to handle the 2.5-ton missile.

Since the Malaysian Su-30MKM jets are very similar to India’s Su-30MKIs, they would also need similar upgrades. 

RMAF, which already works with HAL for the maintenance of its jets, has asked for details on how much structural strengthening would be needed and how much the entire upgrade would cost.

While the discussions are in the early stages, experts believe that finalizing the deal and carrying out the upgrades could take several years. 

This is because the process is technically complex and would involve a lot of testing.

India recently showed the power of the BrahMos-A when its Su-30MKI jets used the missile in a successful strike inside Pakistani airspace, hitting a Pakistan Air Force base with little resistance. 

This has proven the strategic value of the missile.

If the deal becomes successful, it would not only boost defence cooperation between India and Malaysia but also help India grow as a defence exporter. 

However, both India and Malaysia will need to consider the technical and financial challenges involved carefully.