Training pilots of the Royal Malaysian Air Force on the Su-30MKM fleet will enable the IAF to grow in capability, confidence and reputation to lend credibility to India’s status as a regional power

On August 18, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major embarked on a three-day visit to Malaysia. He met the Malaysian Defence Minister and the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) to discuss bilateral issues pertaining to defence cooperation. The CAS also visited the Gong Kedak Air Base in northeast Malaysia where the training team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) is located. The team of IAF pilots and technicians has been assigned to Malaysia for two years to train pilots, weapon system operators and maintenance staff for the smooth induction and operationalisation of the newly acquired Su-30MKM combat fleet. The protocol in this regard was signed in December 2007 at Langkawi.

The IAF top brass have always laid great emphasis on India’s national and security interests transcending geographical boundaries and extending from the Gulf of Oman to the Straits of Malacca. But there are challenges. India has been effectively outflanked by China whose influence has been growing menacingly in practically all neighbouring states. Rather tragically, since Independence, India has displayed remarkable consistency in maintaining turbulent relationship with practically every neighbouring country, even those with a high degree of cultural accord such as Nepal. With serious threats to national security lurking in the immediate neighbourhood and overwhelming preoccupation with wooing the new-found ally on the other side of the globe, there may be little inclination or time to engage countries like Malaysia into a mutually beneficial and constructive relationship.