KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 — The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) will continue to fly the British-made Hawk 108 jets, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today.
“The aircraft is still suitable (for use) until we have our Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA). They (RMAF) are still satisfied with the Hawk aircraft,” the defence minister said during a press conference here today.
“In fact, we are currently sourcing to add to our Hawk squadron. (The aircraft) is still being used by many other countries. Do not use one incident to question the credibility of the aircraft,” Hishammuddin said.
Two RMAF pilots were found dead in Kemaman yesterday after their aircraft lost contact with the Kuantan air base some 30 minutes after departure.
The 21-year-old jet is still missing.
Hishammuddin said that a thorough investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the crash.
“I understand that the aircraft had just come out from service maintenance. It is too soon for us to know the cause. We will conduct an in-depth investigation,” he said.
It was important to learn the cause of the incident so that the deaths of the pilot are not “in vain”, he added.
He said his ministry’s priority now is to provide all available assistance to the family of the two pilots killed.
