Inducted in May 2007, following the purchase of 18 units from Russia, the Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters constitute the main air combat and air superiority platform in service with the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). For this reason, and despite the international sanctions imposed on Moscow, the service has made significant efforts to ensure their operational readiness, resorting to logistical support packages and, more recently, completing a service life extension program carried out by local companies. In this context, the next step in enhancing the capabilities of these Flankers could come through a partnership with India, a country reportedly offering integration with the BrahMos-A anti-ship missile.
According to local media, after completing the Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), RMAF authorities are expected to focus on modernising and expanding the anti-surface warfare capabilities of the Su-30MKM. Among the main proposals under consideration is the one put forward by Indian companies, centred on integrating the BrahMos missile in its “A” variant, the same version equipping the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Su-30MKI fighters.
Developed in collaboration with Russian companies, the BrahMos is the most prominent and recognised anti-surface missile produced by India’s defence industry. Several variants currently exist, adapted for air- and sea-based platforms to strike surface targets such as warships. In the specific case of the Indian Air Force, the “A” variant is primarily deployed from the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, which is domestically manufactured under licence.
Given this background, and considering its widespread adoption within India’s Armed Forces, various discussions and proposal assessments are reportedly taking place between a group of Indian companies and RMAF leadership. Notable among these are Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), responsible for manufacturing the Su-30MKI, and BrahMos Aerospace, in charge of producing the missile in its various versions, as well as developing and implementing upgrades in cooperation with research institutions.
However, beyond the proposal itself, it must undergo various feasibility studies since —according to reports— the Su-30MKM would require substantial structural modifications to integrate the new missiles, along with upgrades to their avionics and fire control systems. This is a significant consideration, as it could be assumed that the Indian companies might include, as part of their offer, a modernisation package aligned with that currently being implemented for the Su-30MKI fleet. For now, however, this remains purely speculative.
Finally, it is worth noting that, despite the sanctions imposed on its original manufacturer, the Su-30MKM remains in active service, as demonstrated during recent joint exercises held this past July with the Royal Thai Air Force. In these manoeuvres, in addition to the Sukhoi fighters, the Royal Malaysian Air Force deployed its U.S.-built F/A-18D Hornet combat aircraft beyond national borders, training alongside Thai F-16 and Gripen jets. These activities add to others conducted during 2024, which included aerial refuelling exercises with U.S. Air Force (USAF) KC-135 aircraft, and more recently, earlier this year, training missions involving F-35A stealth fighters.
You may also like China promotes its J-10CE at the LIMA 2025 exhibition as the future fighter jet for the Royal Malaysian Air Force
