DCI Trains the Malaysian Army

A-109 Low Observation Helicopter of the Malaysian Army

DCI-COFRAS announces the set-up of a tactical course on foreign equipment, which is a big first since the company's creation in 1972. DCI provides the Malaysian Army with a course on the tactical employment of helicopters by day and at night using night-vision goggles. This course is taught on the Malaysian A 109 LOH and has made it possible to apprehend the outstanding added value that helicopters contribute to joint operations, up to patrol level.


The purpose of this course, recently renewed for a foreseeable period of 3 additional years, is to lead to the integration of the airmobile dimension, at heterogeneous module level (helicopters with different or differentiated functions) into air land maneuver planning and conduct.

"Our presence alongside the Malaysian Army shows the recognition of DCI-COFRAS know-how, and ability to transfer, by adapting them, the concepts of operational use to equipment that differs from that in service in the French forces" declares General de Zuchowicz, Executive Vice-President of DCI-COFRAS.

Myanmar to Receive New Batch of MiG-29s from March

MiG-29 of the Myanmar Air Force (photo : Keypublishing Forum)

Myanmar will in March receive the first of 20 RSK MiG-29s ordered under a roughly €400 million ($553 million) deal, with their introduction to more than double the country's MiG-29 fleet.

Ordered in November 2009, the aircraft will be delivered in three configurations, comprising 10 MiG-29B and six MiG-29SE single-seat fighters and four MiG-29UB twin-seat operational trainers.
The acquisition effectively clears the remaining MiG-29B/SE stock at RSK MiG's Lukhovitsy plant, with the airframe parts having been manufactured in the Soviet and Perestroika eras. Myanmar's aircraft will be delivered in an original export configuration, with analogue instruments and Phazotron N-019 radars.

MiG-29 of the Myanmar Air Force (image : Mars Slupsk)

Myanmar previously bought used MiG-29s from Belarus, but approached the type's manufacturer and Russian arms export company Rosoboronexport for help after encountering a high attrition rate. Moscow responded with help on weapons, spare parts and training, including the installation of a simulator at one of its air bases.

Acquiring an additional batch of fighters directly from RSK MiG should radically improve the combat readiness and effectiveness of Myanmar's fleet, sources say. Its air force now has 12 MiG-29s.

Meanwhile, RSK MiG says a new logistics support system to be established in co-operation with Indian companies will enable it to provide increased customer support for the nation's MiG-29s, plus those flown by the air forces of Malaysia and Myanmar.

Thales and Hitech Padu Cooperate for Malaysian Naval Combat Management System

Tacticos 430W (photo : Thales)

HeiTech Padu and Thales Nederland to cooperate in Naval Combat Management System

HeiTech Padu Berhad and Thales Nederland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that confirms their cooperation in the development of a Malaysian Naval Combat Management System.

Both companies agree that, based on a transfer of technology and the implementation of a sophisticated joint software development environment, the Thales Tacticos Combat Management System offered for the Second Generation Patrol Vessel will be developed and produced in Malaysia. Additionally HeiTech Padu will also be involved in the delivery of the Tacticos system currently built for the modernization of the Kasturi Class.

With the experience of HeiTech Padu to deliver real-time network and software applications for the security and defence domain, Thales is convinced to start a cooperation that will serve the Royal Malaysian Navy with first class systems as well as contribute to the development of the Malaysian defence industry. One of the immediate effects will be the establishment of an in-country support facility.

HeiTech Padu selected Thales Nederland as preferred partner based on the leading position of Thales in Naval Combat Management Systems as well as the extensive and proven track record of Thales in international industrial cooperation.

HeiTech Padu Executive Chairman, Dato' Mohd Hilmey Mohd Taib: "is honoured by the confidence given by Thales for HeiTech to spearhead the integration and localisation of their state of the art Combat Management System. HeiTech is committed to take full advantage of this opportunity and hence contribute significantly to the Malaysian defence industry."

Thales Nederland CEO Gerben Edelijn is proud of this MoU: “This agreement emphasizes the strength of our Tacticos Combat Management System and it reinforces the excellent relation between Thales and its Malaysian partners.”

About HeiTech Padu
HeiTech Padu Berhad, a public listed company on the main board of the Bursa Malaysia is Malaysia's leading Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Solutions Provider. HeiTech has delivered high impact ICT solutions, focusing on niche market segments for the defence and security, insurance, financial, health, education, manufacturing and utility industries. Our testimonies include the delivery of mission critical projects for Malaysian Government agencies. The two decades of collaborative partnership with the Government reflects the trust and confidence in our value proposition and commitment. Capitalizing on HeiTech's technical strength and expertise of more than 1,000 workforce, coupled with our home-grown solutions, we are well poised to deliver breakthrough ICT solutions for Malaysian and beyond.

About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace and Space, Defence, Security and Transportation markets. In 2009, the company generated revenues of 12.9 billion euros with 68,000 employees in 50 countries. With its 25,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design, develop and deploy equipment, systems and services that meet the most complex security requirements. Thales has an exceptional international footprint, with operations around the world working with customers as local partners.

Thales Nederland employs about 2,000 staff members The company, established in 1922, is one of the leading companies in integrated naval systems for surveillance, weapon control, combat management and system integration worldwide