Malaysia plans to restart its Northrop F-5 overhaul and upgrade programme, possibly by selecting Airod to work with the UK's Caledonian Airborne Systems on avionics and structural enhancements.
Caledonian was first contracted by Malaysia in 2001 to partner with local aerospace company Langkawi R&D Academy (LARDAC) for the upgrade of one F-5F. But the potential $126 million deal, including options to upgrade nine F-5Es, collapsed because of a dispute between Caledonian and LARDAC. The dispute and resulting lawsuits forced Malaysia to delay the project while it considered alternative arrangements.
Industry sources say Malaysia is poised to relaunch the programme later this year and possibly expand the upgrade package to include structural enhancements. A contract for nine F-5s is expected, but the scope of the work has not been finalised and Malaysia could opt to refurbish rather than upgrade the avionics.
Caledonian has for now retained its role as lead avionics integrator. Other integrators, however, have expressed interest in teaming with Airod and are trying to convince Malaysia they can offer a better solution.
Several avionics manufacturers also have expressed interest in supplying new Western systems for the programme. Under the proposed arrangement, Caledonian would oversee the selection of avionics and integrate the suite while Airod would complete the modifications.
Airod and Caledonian are also pursuing roles in selecting, integrating and installing avionics for 10 Kazan Mi-171 helicopters being acquired by Malaysia. The two companies, however, are lobbying for different workshare arrangements on both programmes and are not ruling out alternative partners.
Source: Flight International