tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post3578722008258358299..comments2024-03-29T13:53:27.554+08:00Comments on KTemoc Konsiders ........: Eurocopter Cougar deal - Malaysiakini's pre-emptive 'clawing'?KTemochttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09951253039042572381noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-52722610562997778882008-11-01T14:42:00.000+08:002008-11-01T14:42:00.000+08:00I notice that recently, the price of the choppers ...I notice that recently, the price of the choppers have been nerfed to RM1.602 billion. All I can say is, brilliant damage control by our govt!<BR/><BR/>KT, I've been lurking round your site for a long while, and I think I prefer this blog to RPK since you seem to analyse the situation more thoroughly.<BR/><BR/>Analyse this, then. What in heaven's name do we need a Scorpene sub in the Straits for? Being one of the most high-traffic straits in the world, sonar conditions will be absolute hell. And our 'brilliant' MINDEF intends to use it as anti-illegal-immigrant deterrent.<BR/><BR/>Whoop-dee-doo. Tell me, how is the sub going to find 'em? Sonar? Hydrophones? Its gonna use SONAR to pick ONE Yamaha outboard motor (used by illegals) out of HOW MANY (legitimate) boats plying the Straits? Can it even operate well in the shallow water with so many cargo ships around screwing up (pun intended) the sonar conditions?<BR/><BR/>What happens when they find the boat? Sink it? Use a torpedo? How about... CALL IN SUPPORT from RMN patrol craft? Hmm, let's see, if the patrol boats are going to do all the legwork anyway, what if we'd bought a big load of patrol ships instead of ONE bloody big submarine...<BR/><BR/>I really want to know your views on this matter.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-90938723207191950162008-10-23T13:55:00.000+08:002008-10-23T13:55:00.000+08:00Bro Ktemoc,You mentioned about RMAF used to have a...Bro Ktemoc,<BR/><BR/>You mentioned about RMAF used to have an Indonesian assembled Super Puma. What happened to that helicopter?<BR/><BR/>Sebelum dia crash, sapa dia bawa?<BR/><BR/>rudyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-396188357765568792008-10-22T17:47:00.000+08:002008-10-22T17:47:00.000+08:00KT, stop behaving you know everything. Just invest...KT, stop behaving you know everything. Just investigate. There is definitely some hidden thing. I believe the captain is telling the truth on the procurement issues.<BR/>In the RMAF, words going around that the project team were asked to sit together with Eurocopter people to decide on the specification paper, so more or less is predetermined. For that an investigation must be conducted just to get to the bottom of it. Let it be, then we find the truth and its all taxpayers money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-89105557776372126722008-10-20T13:03:00.000+08:002008-10-20T13:03:00.000+08:00ec725 is better than kazan mi17 , compare to spec ...ec725 is better than kazan mi17 , compare to spec modernization safety and equipment.for those civilian here who select mi17 ...you know nothing about military ops and the need of future csar.<BR/><BR/>maybe merlin is too expensive for us but ec725 is good enough we can afford.<BR/><BR/>but if you all still want the mi17, i think dont bother to buy new heli, lets just maintain the nuri...same je, ada faham!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-49934895850592802742008-10-19T22:07:00.000+08:002008-10-19T22:07:00.000+08:00Ask BOMBA pilot that fly the Mi-17, from same fami...Ask BOMBA pilot that fly the Mi-17, from same family that been flying since long time ago. Better option like Eurocopter NH-90 or Agusta Westland AW-101.Tanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16084734761072924027noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-40357575986399746052008-10-19T15:54:00.000+08:002008-10-19T15:54:00.000+08:00For reference on Brazil's acquisition price of Cou...For reference on Brazil's acquisition price of Cougars refer here http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Brazil-Signs-1B-Production-Deal-for-Cougar-Helicopters-04959/Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10025737136335403270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-44301593483633323822008-10-19T15:51:00.000+08:002008-10-19T15:51:00.000+08:00The question essentially boils down to the price o...The question essentially boils down to the price of the helicopters. Like you said Brazil also ordered 50 Eurocopter Cougar EC-725. The difference my friend is in the price of acquisition.<BR/><BR/>The Brazilians paid US$1.2 billion for 50 helicopters. US$1.2 billion is roughly RM4 billion which makes each helicopter costing RM82 million per helicopter.<BR/><BR/>Contrast with Malaysia's price of RM2.317 billion for 12 helicopters. Each helicopter costs RM193 million, making the difference between Brazil and Malaysia's acquisition price total RM111 million per helicopter.<BR/><BR/>Times 12 helicopters and you have RM1 billion+ price differential. That is a very big price difference my friend. Damn Malaysian commissions sure cost a bomb. Where can I sign up to be a Malaysian Weapons Acquisition Consultant?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10025737136335403270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-85010241086646209022008-10-18T19:42:00.000+08:002008-10-18T19:42:00.000+08:00Can you differentiate between a comment and a quot...Can you differentiate between a comment and a quote. If i'm a plagiarist, do you think i care to put each link with my post. Please use your brain.If i'm hurting your precious little feeling with my post I'm sorry. i It is a little bit harsh, I agree. <BR/><BR/>I'm not an agent. I won't get a cent of anything.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-34507717909812777972008-10-18T02:28:00.000+08:002008-10-18T02:28:00.000+08:00pakas, you said "...get rid of the leeching agents...pakas, you said "...get rid of the leeching agents, shoot them, burn them..." most of us are commissioned agents earning hard working normal profits. arn't you also 'pakas' in susan/shiv aroor blog where 'anonymous' said "..he is known for copying info from various brochures and writing articles and claiming them to be his original work.." arn't you prasun k sengupta, an indian citizen and a free lance defence writer ? who are you representing this time ? no need to guess, payment in Euros, i mean payment by Eurocopter ? arn't you also a foreign agent earning extraordinary commissions. pls stay away from malaysian business/politics and dont try to inpress us.bumiagenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17262105617174163066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-43265170803455002242008-10-17T09:58:00.000+08:002008-10-17T09:58:00.000+08:00Ya-lah, 10% Consulting Fees, another 10% Special H...Ya-lah, 10% Consulting Fees, another 10% Special Handling Fees sure adds up to a lot of money...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-14648069640906200052008-10-16T14:43:00.000+08:002008-10-16T14:43:00.000+08:00I think it may be worthwhile at this stage to expl...I think it may be worthwhile at this stage to explain what is <B>C</B>SAR or <B>Combat</B> Search & Rescue, and why it is expensive.<BR/><BR/>Search and Rescue or SAR is straight forward. Usually the Search component is done by a fast aeroplane like a TUDM C130 or even a B737 in some other air forces. The aim is to get to the location real pronto, and locate the missing aircraft, ship or persons, or to confirm that those missing are where they had reported going down (or have been reported as going down).<BR/><BR/>In smaller countries like Peninsula Malaysia, a helicopter may also carry out the search as the distance to fly to the search area won't be too extensive.<BR/><BR/>Searches may be by visual means (eyeball sighting) but with the search aircraft flying a certain track pattern, depending on the circumstances of the missing case and whether the area to be search is at sea, on land or around mountains.<BR/><BR/>It may also be by electronic means, hunting for and homing on to a distress signal transmitted automatically by the downed aircraft or by a survivor (crew or passenger). Today there are satellites monitoring any distress signals on an internationally agreed frequency around the globe.<BR/><BR/>Once the search has confirmed the location of the downed aircraft or ship in distress or missing person, the rescue is activated, and usually carried out by helicopters because of their versatility in landing at various challenging terrain. In some rare cases, at sea, an amphibious aeroplane may land to pick up survivors.<BR/><BR/>But combat SAR (CSAR) is quite different, where (especially) the rescue part is conducted in hostile terrain. The helicopter has to be suitably equipped with an array of defensive equipment, including armaments to ‘neutralize’ hostile forces at the location of the rescue (usually to pick up a fighter-strike pilot who has been forced to eject over hostile territory).<BR/><BR/>The CSAR helicopter must also be equipped with electronic counter-measures (ECM), which could range from decoy flares, electronically disruptive chaff, electronic jamming, perhaps even anti-radiation missile which will home in on the enemy’s radar (which are used for aircraft detection or antiaircraft radar guidance) – these missiles are known as shrikes.<BR/><BR/>Needless to say, encryptic communication with all sorts of authentication codes (even of coloured smoke flares to be used by the downed pilot) would be vital to ensure the CSAR helicopter isn't lured into landing right smack in the 'welcoming arms' of an enemy reception.<BR/><BR/>The sophisticated complement of electronic equipment costs the world and sometimes may even be more than the helicopter itself. Both (some of) the AS 532 and its latest improved model the EC-725 are CSAR capable.<BR/><BR/>In any language, regardless of aircraft type, ECM capable aircraft like strike fighters/bombers, AWAC (airborne early warning radar aircraft), dedicated ECM aircraft (to disrupt enemy air defence systems), Wild Weasels (fighter aircraft dedicated to hunting down and destroying enemy radar and antiaircraft batteries), and CSAR helicopters are damn bloody expensive, costing perhaps 2, 3 or even 4, 5 times more than the non-combat version.KTemochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09951253039042572381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-33984328775536477822008-10-16T12:42:00.000+08:002008-10-16T12:42:00.000+08:00Whether ECs or Mis or another set of Nuris, the mo...Whether ECs or Mis or another set of Nuris, the most important thing is to get rid of the leeching agents. Shoot them, burn them i don't care. We might even afford the AW101 after that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-15458402952189410172008-10-16T12:18:00.000+08:002008-10-16T12:18:00.000+08:00there's a lot of interesting view. just read the c...there's a lot of interesting view. just read the captain's letter, the letter itself is written in shady manner without proper chronology and supportive figures. maybe there are attachment but dun see it mentioned anywhere. I'm very much hope in the letter there will be technical data, financial analysis or anything 'academic' worth to give us some idea. But there's alot of petikan akhbar, 'kami difahamkan', 'menurut sumber-sumber yang sama' (who?), 'menurut bekas ksu and tksu' (who again? someone in or outside mentari services?),'kalau difikir secara logik', 'alangkah ironisnya'. I personally think a company which can supply heli should done much better. Anyway we should look carefully of all the allegation made by the captain.<BR/><BR/>He mentioned that Nuri was used for utility and sometimes for SAR. That's why he thought MI-172 KF is more than enough. Probs is, if we want to purchase something new, why dun we go for something better? and this Cougar have combat ability (sorry, i dun know bout other proposed heli). No wonder la the price is much higher. those of u who knows a lot about strategic military, is that adviseable to use the same old models that've been use by ather country around the world? kalo kreta, i tau ler (senang cari spare part, murah.. ye la massive production, cost cheaper). i believe the price can be explained in short term and long term prospective.<BR/><BR/>The captain state that MOD only compare the documents of the tenders without demonstration. This is allegation by his part only and i wish MOD can explain to us the reasons. Kalau beli kreta, is another story (ambil contoh dalam surat kapten), tp for military equipment i'm not so sure. it's not everyday shopping. Agree with what observer said, the this queries must be able to be justified. would love to hear the answer.<BR/>anyone out there can explain to us bout procurement process about special purchase like this? esp one that involve military stuff. tqAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-10191849912417548152008-10-16T09:47:00.000+08:002008-10-16T09:47:00.000+08:00and dont forget the so called avionic upgrade cost...and dont forget the so called avionic upgrade costs almost four times the original price.<BR/><BR/>better we upgrade all the old birds than getting the Mis at a ridiculous price.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-65298690899388420232008-10-16T09:35:00.000+08:002008-10-16T09:35:00.000+08:00I'm a retired corporate executive who has made and...I'm a retired corporate executive who has made and had to defend tough questioning on many multi-million riggit purchasing decisions in my day...so here's my 2 sen worth.<BR/><BR/>In a complex system, purchase price is often not the most important criteria. Performance, fit for use, reliability (both the equipment and the supplier company), support, track record etc. are often just as important if not more. <BR/><BR/>But here's the real world fact - if you decide to buy the most expensive system on offer, you better be ready to explain convincingly to your shareholders.<BR/><BR/>As some other commentators have correctly pointed out here, there are other alternative helicopters on offer which are also respected, widely used systems, not just dodgy options.<BR/><BR/>Najib's principal shareholders are the people of Malaysia - and he better be able to justify the queries, not just brush them off as irritating barbs from Anwar Ibrahim or Lim Kit Siang.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-38334638504130345072008-10-16T08:53:00.000+08:002008-10-16T08:53:00.000+08:00Brother Ubat65,Points to ponder.Mi 17 Kelowna is o...Brother Ubat65,<BR/><BR/>Points to ponder.<BR/><BR/>Mi 17 Kelowna is only about avionic upgrade. The change is more on the aircraft instrumentation, radios and navigation equipment.<BR/><BR/>The Kelowna Mi17 retains the original airframe, such as the same mechanical controls and linkages, the same gearbox, the same main rotor baldes, the tail rotor blades, the same engines, and auxiliary powerplant unit. No improvement with the one designed from the 1960. Tak percaya pergi tengok helicopter Bomba kat AIROD. Ada 4 biji kat sana.<BR/><BR/>As compared to the EC 725 brother macam langit dengan bumi......<BR/><BR/>By the way Specification for the RMAF for this International Tender is Combat, Search and Rescue plus Utility......bukan Logistic. Jangan tembak saja.shahf techhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16677770572170570400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-13134897746146244042008-10-16T03:46:00.000+08:002008-10-16T03:46:00.000+08:00is "kantoi" the correct word.(sorry for triple pos...is "kantoi" the correct word.<BR/><BR/>(sorry for triple posting. Couldn't help it)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-3183346354196642182008-10-16T03:36:00.000+08:002008-10-16T03:36:00.000+08:00" As a comparision 12 Kelowana Mis will costs us U..." As a comparision 12 Kelowana Mis will costs us USD 264.00. This will translate to USD 22.00 per heli.<BR/><BR/><BR/>er. I mean million. sorry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-83657147402265363472008-10-16T03:34:00.000+08:002008-10-16T03:34:00.000+08:00Don't now if you'll approve this. But interersting...Don't now if you'll approve this. But interersting read nevertheless.<BR/><BR/>As a comparision 12 Kelowana Mis will costs us USD 264.00. This will translate to USD 22.00 per heli.<BR/><BR/>A report from Wired Blog said:<BR/><BR/>" ...One company is offering on the Internet to sell new production Mi-17s for $5 million each, and India just a couple months ago bought 80 Mi-17 helicopters converted for military use for $662 million, which comes out to a unit price of a little over $8 million (and less, if the contract included sustainment costs and spares). According to the contract terms confirmed by the Pentagon, the Iraqis are paying a unit price of nearly $15 million, which would appear to be well above the norm."<BR/><BR/>http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/07/earlier-this-ye.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-59603392861122100782008-10-16T01:04:00.000+08:002008-10-16T01:04:00.000+08:00If people want to buy the M-172 or the Mi-17 helic...If people want to buy the M-172 or the Mi-17 helicopter, would you get from this Kelowena company? Capt. Zahar (just Captain?) just sakit hati he lost chance to become new multi-millionaire.<BR/><BR/>Jawa KelowenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-72548379334200799852008-10-16T00:55:00.000+08:002008-10-16T00:55:00.000+08:00OK, so maybe this Russky designed chopper is bette...OK, so maybe this Russky designed chopper is better n cheaper. But anybody care to check out who is te supplier? Everheard of Kelowena Flightcraft Ltd.? Check out its website "www.flightcraft.ca". More or less comparable to our local Airod I think. BTW, Kazan as company no longer exists too. If DSAI were PM he would have bought the Blackhawks. <BR/><BR/>Even Blakchawks Go DownAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-19787210577917794082008-10-15T19:46:00.000+08:002008-10-15T19:46:00.000+08:00'Eurocopter Cougar Deal - Malaysiakini's p...'Eurocopter Cougar Deal - Malaysiakini's pre-emptive 'clawing'?<BR/>Referring to the above article, the author has overlooked key issues raised by Capt (Rtd) Zahar Hashim's letter, namely:<BR/>1. EC 725 appears to have been 'selected' by a pre-determined 'gimmick' of a Tender process that lacks transparency. <BR/>2. No aircraft selection can be considered comprehensive without proper flight trials and OEM visits etc. <BR/>3. Any unsuccessful Tenderer (and this is surely not limited to only Capt. (Rtd) Zahar Hashim's company but also Sikorsky and others) would surely be displeased when it is abundantly clear that no attempt at either a proper evaluation or following of correct procedures regarding the tender process was carried out?<BR/>4. EC 725 is the latest generation 'Super Puma', itself a development of the original 'Puma' helicopter first flown in April 1965. In terms of being an 'evolved' product, EC725 is no different from the Mi-172 offered under the Tender which is an evolution of the original Mi-8 helicopter, also originally developed in the 1960s. There is no ‘magic’ about either EC 725 or Mi-172 helicopter types offered; they are simply a development of what has gone before, albeit a very comprehensive development. In other words, they are by no means the same as previous aircraft types but they are not completely different either. It is to be recognized that a proven helicopter product only comes with tested performance over time and under all conditions.<BR/>5. Examples of other Tenders in other countries where unsuccessful Bidders have complained are irrelevant and do nothing to condone the poor Tender procedure and lack of transparency in this case as evidenced by Capt. (Rtd) Zhar Hashim' letter.<BR/>6. You are right in saying that a cheaper bid is not necessarily the best but given the various criteria you then mention, Eurocopter's EC 725 would find it hard to surpass Kazan's Mi-172.<BR/>TUDM's operational requirement was for a logistic (not CSAR) helicopter, so what is a better equipped 'logistic' helicopter, one with a cargo-ramp door (Mi-172) or one without (EC 725)? One that can seat 35 troops in a cabin of 22.50 cubic meters (Mi-172), or one that claims to seat 29 in a 16.05 cubic mtr cabin (EC 725)?<BR/>Technical Reliability & Maintenance Costs:<BR/>It is no secret as to why the UN has predominantly used the Mi-17 helicopter type in every disaster around the World for the past 20 years or more. The reason is its ruggedness, reliability and ability to perform the tasks required of a top-class logistic helicopter. Eurocopter aircraft, by comparison, are well known for being ‘high-maintenance’; this is part of the European manufacturing philosophy. Maintenance costs for EC 725 are higher than for Mi-172 because western maintenance regimes are far more labour and manhour intensive than Russian. <BR/>Manufacturer's Reputation & Reliability: Both Eurocopter and Kazan Helicopters are well regarded Worldwide. They are both excellent, reliable companies making good aircraft and deserve their respective reputations.<BR/>Number of Countries Buying the Type: It is misleading to refer only to either EC 725 (only one customer country at present being France) or Mi-172, in assessing the countries using the different types. It is more informative and representative to refer to the overall medium-lift helicopter types produced by the respective manufacturers. In this regard, Eurocopter have produced approx. 730 Puma, Super Pumas and Cougars etc. since 1965, while Kazan Helicopters have produced in excess of 15,000 Mi-8 & Mi-17 types. If numbers are the proof of design success, then the Mi-8/17 family of medium-lift helicopters must be regarded as the most successful helicopters of their class ever built. <BR/>Availability of Long-Term Spares: Given the volumes of Mi-17 still under production (both Kazan Helicopters and Ulan Ude Aviation Plant have full order books for the next 4 years producing Mi-17 variants), and the number still in operation Worldwide, the long term availability of Mi-17 spares is not in any doubt. Doubtless Eurocopter can also provide the same level of product support guarantees even though the numbers of EC 725s will never match that of Mi-17s being manufactured. <BR/>Price: EC725 apparently costs significantly more than Mi-172 but a proper evaluation would need to be carried out to understand the full implications of the respective manufacturers' technical and financial packages. Is the lack of a proper evaluation an attempt to prevent the Taxpayer from finding out the true cost of the Eurocopter package before the Contract has been signed?<BR/>TUDM's familiarity with & acceptance of the manufacturing nation's or company's aircraft development philosophy: 38 countries have bought the Puma family of helicopters since 1965 while over 80 countries have bought the Mi-8/17 family of helicopters over the same period so what could TUDM find so difficult about the respective ‘development philosophies’ of either Eurocopter or Kazan Helicopters? It should be noted that RMAF pilots and engineers seconded to BOMBA have already gained 10 years experience with Mi-17-V5. However, they have no experience yet of working with a medium-lift helicopter produced by Eurocopter.<BR/>Your comment about the French aircraft industry being foremost in helicopter technology, innovation and development is entirely subjective and the British, Italians, Americans and Russians would claim otherwise. Most companies within the aviation industry readily recognise the respective strengths and weaknesses of their peers.<BR/>Your question about asking one's preference for being flown in either Eurocopter’s Cougar or Kazan’s Mi-172 implies that the Russian Mi-172 is inferior; this is an assumption based upon your personal preference and not upon either the technical facts or detailed knowledge of the respective types. The author of this blog has spent numerous hours on both aircraft types; however, if I was an infantry soldier awaiting a pick-up together with the rest of my platoon (30 odd soldiers in total) in a hostile area, then I would rather fly in a Mi-172 (more room and rapid loading via the cargo-ramp door). Similarly, if I was tasked to drop food supplies into a disaster area then I would prefer a Mi-172 because as a logistic medium-lift helicopter it has significant advantages over the EC 725. Your comment about preference is thus unqualified. <BR/>It is surely the task of MOD to ensure that TUDM officers evaluate each and every Tender Bid in accordance with the same selected criteria, and not to go by any subjective opinions about what they would prefer/want to fly (as mentioned in your article)? Indeed, TUDM Officers may be the first to admit that there is a significant basis of truth in Capt (Rtd) Zahar Hashim's letter alleging that the Tender procedure fell well short of a proper evaluation. <BR/>The various points contained within the Captain's letter appear sound to this Author and it is surely now for the Government to demonstrate to the Public that their selection of the EC 725 has been made with the best interests of the Taxpayer, the Armed Forces, and the Country in mind? The Captain doubts whether this has been the case, and the way in which the Tender was conducted appears to support his opinion.Ubat65https://www.blogger.com/profile/08215946129124139463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-35561382950586015962008-10-15T17:24:00.000+08:002008-10-15T17:24:00.000+08:00I believe all the negative reactions againts the p...I believe all the negative reactions againts the procurement of the heli are hatred based . Come on, sometime we must be sensible enough to understand the benefit of the Cougar project. As for a military enthusiast I believe the benefit of Cougar purchase :<BR/><BR/>1) EUROCOPTER plant in Subang would be fully utilized - this is some sort of TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER which is directly offered to us, just same as MEKO 100, JEBAT BATCH 2, ACV 300 project. It creates high skill employment. At least Malaysian after this have the skill the build their own transport HELI. (I bet the rusky & american would not dare to transfer the technology to non ally countries.<BR/>2. It creates a lot of supporting industries - which will produces parts locally. more business to malaysian. Malaysian have an untapped potential in Electronic sector.<BR/>3. Create continuous logistics requirement - benefiting the local logistics company.<BR/>4. The cost of operating - some might argue that the cost would be higher - in what sense? provide the statistics.<BR/>What we can see that the cougar would perform better, have massive future upgrade, and can be operated by a single pilot (mil mi 172 requires min 3 person).<BR/>the personnel resources of TUDM can be utilized elsewhere.<BR/><BR/>Come on...all of you are grown enough to analyse all the data.<BR/><BR/>COugar is the best choice as EADS would given soo many value added - technology, employment, equipment supply potential, <BR/>In my opinion - all the agreement with European Countries have been expensive, but worth it - MEKO 100 (German), proposed Jebat Batch 2 (BAE), ACV 300 (FNSS Turkey)and few minor supplier as all these companies are willing to share the technology.<BR/><BR/>AMERICAN? our F18 cannot fire a missile w/out their permission<BR/>RUSSIAN? sell only, no transfer of technology w/out significant purchase volume.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-10797125985324061882008-10-15T14:47:00.000+08:002008-10-15T14:47:00.000+08:00SMS transcript? wrong post for this issue, but yes...SMS transcript? wrong post for this issue, but yes, I haven't heard anyone suggest it was a hoax.<BR/><BR/>But do read my post one the SMS - http://ktemoc.blogspot.com/2008/10/another-gan-attack-against-najib.htmlKTemochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09951253039042572381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11109306.post-1209403844193548332008-10-15T14:20:00.000+08:002008-10-15T14:20:00.000+08:00price is never a factor in defence procurement? no...price is never a factor in defence procurement? now wonder, hundreds of millions are beign paid as commission. and you have the Authorities from the defence Ministry sanctionning such payments on the basis that it is being paid by the seller. <BR/>With such track record, isnt it normal for us to smell something fishy in this deal ( bar the technical aspects) with the RUSHED issuance of the LOI?<BR/>Oh, btw KT, our PM in waiting did not even deny that the SMS exchange is a hoax. Well, it was just a private matter anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com