RMAF SEEKS CHINA'S LOGISTIC SUPPORT FOR SUKHOI FIGHTERS

By Vincent Low

BEIJING, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its military air ties
with China and has sought the assistance of the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
in maintenance and logistics support for Malaysia's fleet of Sukhoi SU-30
fighter jets.

Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) chief Jeneral Rodzali Daud said Malaysia
was also looking into acquiring some Chinese military ware.

"China had risen to become the superpower of the region and is advanced in
its technology as well and our relationship with China is getting better and
better," Jen Rodzali told Bernama Friday.

"They can help us in many areas, like for parts and maintenance of the
SU-30. In fact, Malaysia is also looking into some of the Chinese military
products."

The RMAF has 18 Russian made SU-30 fighter jets while China also has large
numbers of Russian made fighter jets including the Sukhoi SU-30.

Jen Rodzali was among the air force chiefs from 34 countries invited for a
two-day international forum starting today in conjunction with the PLA Air Force
(PLAF) 60th anniversary.

He met his Chinese counterpart, General Xu Qiliang, at the PLAF headquarters
on Thursday night.

Jen Rodzali said the RMAF would strengthen cooperation with the PLAF and in
the past had participated in the exchange of personnel and regional security
information.

At least six Malaysian military personnel were attached to China's Defence
University and Staff College and China has agreed to send its first student to
the Malaysia Defence College next year.

The RMAF delegation will attend a PLAF Air Show and Air Force equipment
exhibition at Shahe Airfield near here on Saturday before visiting the PLAF
Museum on Sunday.

The group will also visit Jining Airfield in eastern Shandong province on
Monday to witness an exhibition of China-made fighter jets before returning to
Kuala Lumpur.
-- BERNAMA