I think it was sometime last year before Thaksin was ousted in a military coup that Singapore acquired the lease of the Udon Thani Air Force Base in Thailand’s northeast on the pretext of setting up a training base. Prior to that, when Malaysia announced that it was getting the Scorpense SSKs, Singapore immediately bought four used submarines from an European country. When Malaysia announced it was getting the PT-91 main battle tanks, Singapore bought Apache tank-busting helicopters – and when the Pt-91s were operational, Singapore bought used Leopard tanks from Germany. To counter our ASTROSS MLRS (multiple-launch rocket systems), Singapore has recently announced getting a similar system. Singapore already has a detachment of its air force fighter jets in Darwin, Australia, citing the lack of airspace for training.
Most recent, Singapore has come into a deal with India to lease two airbases for training purposes: for its F-16 fighter aircraft. Again citing the lack of airspace (Australia and Thailand must be really small). India jumped at this opportunity to learn more about the F-16, which is the mainstay of rival Republic of Pakistan Air Force.
So?
Well, the thing is, India is where Malaysia sends its technicians to train on the servicing and maintenance of its Sukhoi SU-30MKM air superiority fighters. And I am sure, Singapore is interested to know how the Indian’s SU-30MKI perform, so they can judge the tactics our SU-30MKM would have.
I still maintain that Malaysia should purchase more SU-30MKM (forget the stupid F-18 Super Hornets…they’re not half as good as the SU-30MKMs are), several more guided-missile frigates (FFG) armed with Yakhont SSMs., forget tanks but buy tank-busting aircrafts like the Mi-24 Hind or its newer siblings (I prefer the Mi-24 because they’re battle-proven).
If we cannot protect ourselves, then no way can we feed ourselves.
Oh, and promote Countloon to the rank of Major please. 😀
SeaDemon Says 