Hisham: Fighter jet in crash was well maintained

KUALA LUMPUR: The Hawk 108 fighter jet that crashed had undergone a full maintenance service recently, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.

It was flown twice after the service, before the crash on Thursday in which its two RMAF pilots were killed, he said and added that the cause of the crash had yet to be determined.

He believed the incident did not reduce the capability of the aircraft type, saying Hawk fighter jets were still suitable and that the ministry had plans to expand the squadron.

“The feedback from the airforce is that it is very satisfied with the Hawk.

“We must not let this one incident affect the credibility of this capable aircraft.

“Many countries are still using it,” Hishammuddin said.

He said it was standard proce- dure for all other Hawks in the airforce to be grounded after the incident.

This would be in effect until the cause of the crash was found, he told reporters after a ceremony at Wisma Pertahanan to distribute Hari Raya goodies to the armed forces yesterday.

He said the country’s military capabilities would not be affected by this.

Also, there are plans to increase airforce and navy assets in line with the threats posed by militant groups, such as Islamic State, he said.

Hishammuddin expressed his condolences to the families of both pilots.

He said their deaths were not in vain and that “they will always be part of the armed forces family”.

The 108 is a two-seater version of the Hawk 208 fighter, which made air strikes in Lahad Datu, Sabah, against an armed incursion by militants in 2013.