Article Posted on : - Apr 18, 2012

KUALA LUMPUR (PTI): Malaysia has been evaluating offers from several companies to replace the MiG-29N jet fighters with multi-role combat aircraft for the country's Air Force, a senior minister has said.

Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said his ministry was looking into the capability and specifications of the aircraft manufactured by the companies concerned.

The ministry was also looking into the package offered by the companies, including the reciprocal offer by the manufacturing companies, such as technology transfer and payment duration, he said.

"No decision has been made yet," he told reporters at the ongoing Defence Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur.

Since 2009, the Malaysian government has been considering replacing the Russian-made MiG-29N jets with the multi-role combat aircraft from other manufacturers, including Eurofighter Typhoon.

Currently, the Typhoon aircraft, measuring 15.96 metres in length and capable of flying more than 60,000 feet, is used by the air forces of Britain, Italy, Austria, Spain and Germany.

Malaysia bought 18 MiG-29N aircraft in June 1994 for $380 million, state-run Bernama news agency said.