India, Malaysia Deepen Military and Su-30 Cooperation

India and Malaysia have strengthened their defence cooperation, particularly in the maintenance and operational expertise of their respective Russian-origin Sukhoi-30 (Su-30) combat aircraft fleets. During Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s visit to Kuala Lumpur, both nations finalised key agreements, enhancing collaboration between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). This development, part of the 13th Malaysia-India Defence Cooperation Committee (MIDCOM) meeting, also included discussions on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, maritime security, and defence industry partnerships.

Key Highlights of India-Malaysia Defence Cooperation

Su-30 Maintenance & Air Force Collaboration

• India and Malaysia agreed to exchange expertise and best practices for maintaining their Su-30 fleets.
• The Su-30 Forum was officially established to enable closer cooperation between the IAF and RMAF.
• The forum will function as an intermediary consultative mechanism under MIDCOM.

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Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties

• The 13th MIDCOM meeting was held in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Malaysia’s Defence Secretary General Lokman Hakim Bin Ali.
• Both sides expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral defence cooperation and military engagements.
• A Strategic Affairs Working Group was formed to enhance collaboration in defence industry partnerships and security initiatives.

New Areas of Defence Collaboration

India and Malaysia agreed to cooperate in emerging security domains like,

• Cybersecurity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Non-traditional maritime security threats
• A joint focus group will be created to address these security concerns.

Regional & Global Coordination

• The nations reaffirmed their commitment to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as envisioned by PM Narendra Modi and Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim.
• India reiterated its support for ASEAN centrality and unity under its Indo-Pacific vision.
• India recognised Malaysia’s role as ASEAN and ADMM-Plus chair and extended support for its leadership.

Defence Industry Collaboration

• India highlighted its defence industry capabilities, encouraging partnerships with Malaysian companies.
• Defence Secretary Singh promoted HAL’s potential involvement in Malaysia’s modernisation and capability enhancement programs.

Current & Future Su-30 Developments

• India’s Su-30 Fleet: 259 Su-30MKI aircraft, with 12 more on order worth Rs 12,573 crore.
• Malaysia’s Su-30 Fleet: 18 Su-30MKM aircraft.
• HAL expects approval for the Su-30MKI upgrade program, extending the fleet’s operational lifespan by 30 years.