The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is considering a significant upgrade to its fleet of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets by equipping them with India's BrahMos-A supersonic cruise missile.
Preliminary discussions have reportedly begun between Malaysia and Indian defence firms, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and BrahMos Aerospace, to explore the feasibility of the landmark project.
The BrahMos-A is the specialised air-launched variant of the world-renowned BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia.
To make it suitable for aircraft, its weight was reduced by 500 kilograms compared to the land and sea-based versions, while retaining its formidable speed and precision.
Currently, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is the sole operator of this advanced missile, deploying it on its own fleet of Su-30MKI aircraft.
Integrating the 2.5-ton missile onto the fighter jets is a complex engineering challenge.
Reports indicate that the RMAF has requested technical details regarding the necessary structural reinforcements to the aircraft's fuselage and the projected costs. This process would likely mirror the extensive modifications that HAL performed on India's Su-30MKI jets.
Given that the Malaysian Su-30MKM and the Indian Su-30MKI share a common design platform, HAL's prior experience provides a clear path for the potential integration. The RMAF already has an existing relationship with HAL, which provides maintenance and support for its Sukhoi fleet.
Defence analysts suggest that while talks are in the early stages, a finalised agreement and implementation could take several years to complete due to the comprehensive modifications and rigorous testing required.
The successful induction of the BrahMos-A by the IAF has already demonstrated the missile's capability as a high-value strategic asset, providing a powerful stand-off strike option.
This potential acquisition underscores the deepening defence ties between Malaysia and India. If the deal proceeds, it would mark the first time India has exported the air-launched version of the BrahMos missile, representing a major achievement for its ambition to become a key global supplier of advanced military hardware.
