Malaysia puts pen to paper for LCA tender
The RMAF needs to replace existing aircraft like the MB-339CM with a new platform. (Dzirhan Mahadzir)
Malaysia has been talking about new light combat aircraft for some time, but finally a tender is out for 18 aircraft.
Malaysia issued a long-anticipated tender for 18 light combat aircraft on 22 June. The international tender, closing on 22 September, called for the supply, delivery and commissioning of 18 Fighter Lead-In Training - Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT-LCA) and associated equipment.
These aircraft will replace Aermacchi MB-339CM trainers and BAE Hawk 100/200s that the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) operates in both trainer and light combat roles.
No further details were released on the tender, but under the RMAF’s CAP55 plan, three squadrons of FLIT-LCAs are called for. However, the RMAF stated previously that an initial buy to outfit a squadron
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff]()
Nuclear “Manhattan Project-type endeavour” plausible for AI advancement, says UK Chief of Defence Staff
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
-
![Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss]()
Teal Drones delivers first Black Widows as parent company reports six-month loss
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
-
![Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF]()
Elbit Systems discloses Iron Beam update and work on laser solution for IAF
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.
-
![Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade]()
Poland confirms US$3.8 billion F-16V upgrade
The Mid-Life Upgrade agreement comes as Poland makes significant increases in its defence spend as its plans to increase it to 5% of GDP by 2026.
