NEW DELHI: India is seeking to move forward on a set of defence proposals with Malaysia during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the country this weekend, Secretary (East) P Kumaran said on Thursday.
Addressing a press briefing, the top MEA official said discussions are underway across multiple defence domains where both countries operate similar platforms or have complementary requirements.
“We are looking at the sale of Dornier aircraft. Malaysia also has Scorpene submarines and they are looking at opportunities to collaborate, especially in terms of mid-life upgrades and retrofitting. You had also mentioned the potential for collaborating on SU-30 aircraft, Malaysians have that aircraft and so do we. We have offered proposals for modification, upgradation and mid-life maintenance. We are also looking at potential for supply of naval platforms by Indian shipyards. Those are areas that look promising and we hope to be able to get something going in these areas,” Kumaran said.
Sources in the defence and security establishment said the reference to Dornier aircraft relates to India offering the HAL manufactured Dornier 228 for a Malaysian Coast Guard requirement estimated at around seven aircraft.
The twin-turboprop utility aircraft is used by the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and several civil operators for maritime surveillance, search and rescue, pollution monitoring and coastal patrol missions. The aircraft is considered suitable for short take-off and landing operations and has been marketed by India as a cost-effective maritime patrol platform for littoral states.
The potential sale would also add to India’s ongoing effort to expand defence exports in Southeast Asia, where maritime surveillance and coastal security remain key operational requirements.
India is also seeking to finalise collaboration on the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s Su-30MKM fleet, which shares a common Russian-origin platform architecture with the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI aircraft. Sources said India has offered support in upgrades, avionics modernisation and the integration of Indian-developed weapon systems.
“Given India’s operational experience with the Su-30 platform and ongoing indigenous upgrade programmes, the proposal includes integration of Indian avionics and weapon systems such as the Astra Mk-1 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, along with options for future stand-off weapons integration, subject to mutual requirements and technical feasibility,” a source said.
Furthermore, both India and Malaysia operate French-origin Scorpene-class submarines, opening potential avenues for cooperation in lifecycle support, mid-life upgrades, refits and training. “India has developed experience in platform sustainment, integration of indigenous systems and lifecycle maintenance through the Kalvari-class programme, which can be leveraged for collaborative work with other Scorpene operators,” the source added.
India and Malaysia currently share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with his Malaysian counterpart, with defence cooperation expected to feature prominently in the discussions. The visit is also being seen as part of India’s wider engagement with ASEAN, where defence industrial cooperation and maritime security have emerged as key pillars of strategic outreach.