France submits Rafale purchase proposal to Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur (AFP) - France has submitted a proposal to Malaysia for the purchase of 18 Rafale fighter jets, its defence minister said during a visit to Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.

"We provided a full offer to the Malaysian authorities," Jean-Yves Le Drian said at a news conference with his Malaysian counterpart Hishammuddin Hussein.

"This offer will be studied by the authorities."

He added: "This proposal marks the beginning of formal discussions with Malaysia over the acquisition of 18 Rafale planes."

Malaysia has said it intends to replace its ageing fleet of Russian-made MiG aircraft, and along with the Rafale, the American F-18, Sweden's Gripen and the Eurofighter have been mooted as potential replacements.

But Hussein warned that Malaysia would have to judge whether any short-term plans to replace the fleet were affordable, with the country grappling with an economic slowdown and a sharp fall in its currency.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian (2nd L) and Malaysian Defence Minister Hishamuddin Hussein (2nd R) walk after a welcoming ceremony at the Defence Ministry in Kuala Lumpur on September 1, 2015 (AFP Photo/Mohd Rasfan)

AFP

Malaysia, France To Enhance Intelligence Sharing To Combat IS:

Published on Tuesday, 01 September 2015 18:09

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will enhance intelligence sharing with France in efforts to counter the growing threat of the Islamic State (IS).

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said it would be impossible for Malaysia deal with such threats alone and with France's involvement, to combat threats together was timely.

"Abu Sayyaf, MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front), MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter) have declared allegiance to IS.

"It is important for us to realise that the Sulu Seas must be secured in the event that there are irresponsible groups who look at the seas as an Islamic caliphate.

"It is impossible for us to deal with IS alone, so as Asean chair (this year), I got all member countries to support efforts against IS. France coming on board especially on the issue of maritime security is directly on point."

Hishammuddin told reporters this after he co-chaired the Defence Joint Higher Strategic Meeting with France Defence Minister Jean-Yved Le Drian at the ministry here, today.

Le Drian, along with French defence industry representatives had also paid a courtesy call to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the prime minister's office in Perdana Putra earlier this morning.