MSIAN GOVT SHORT-LISTS AIRCRAFT FROM FIVE COUNTRIES TO REPLACE MIG

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government has
short-listed aircrafts from five countries to replace the MIG 29N which will be
phased out next year, Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Friday.

"The five countries will be invited to submit their tenders," he told
reporters after viewing an exhibition at the Mahsuri International Exhibition
Center (MIEC) in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and
Aerospace Exhibition 2009 (LIMA 2009) here.

Ahmad Zahid said the purchase of the aircrafts would however depend on the
availability of funds.

"The new asset to replace the MIG will be the multi role combat aircrafts
which is cost efficient and can be used for at least 20 years," he added.

The government recently announced the phasing out of the 16 MIG 29N bought
from Russia for US$381 million in 1995. The move is expected to save the
government RM260 million (US$76.8 million) a year in maintenance cost.


Ahmad Zahid said the Royal Malaysian Air Force MIG aircrafts would be sold
"lock, stock and barrel" and that two companies were keen to buy them.

He said 10 of the aircrafts would be sold in the middle of next year,
while the remaining six by the year end.

-- BERNAMA