Malaysians, Not Russian Piloting RMAF's Sukhoi At LIMA

LANGKAWI (Malaysia), Dec 7 (Bernama) -- The Royal Malaysian Air Force's (RMAF) Sukhoi SU-30 MKM aircraft taking part in the aerial display, in conjunction with the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA '11) here is piloted by Malaysians, not Russians. Air Force chief General Rodzali Daud named the pilots as Major Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar and Major Hisham Che Halid. The matter was brought to the attention of reporters at a press conference chaired by Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi on the second day of LIMA Wednesday. Rodzali said RMAF was proud to showcase the Sukhoi at the exhibition with many of the visitors assuming that the multi-role combat aircraft was being flown by Russian pilots. "This is erroneous as Major Faizal (and his colleague) is the one who's piloting the fighter jet," he said. The Sukhoi made its public debut in Malaysia in 2007. Rodzali took the opportunity to thank the air forces from countries like Australia, Singapore, Thailand and France for being present at LIMA. "We're proud to have them here, especially Royal Thai Air Force, because despite having to face challenges like the floods in Thailand, they're still able to send two aircraft to join us at LIMA," he said. -- BERNAMA