The government is considering replacing the 10 MiG-29 aircraft of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) with the Eurofighter Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA).      

Minister of Defence Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the service period of the Russian-made MiG-29s had ended and they needed to be replaced.       

He said his ministry was now evaluating the Eurofighter Typhoon MRCA fighter jet which cost RM3 billion each for its capabilities and specifications.      

"The Eurofighter is admittedly the best fighter jet and as it is expensive, we need to evaluate in detail," he told reporters after closing an Umno membership drive organised by Tenggara Umno in Kota Tinggi today.       

However, he said the purchase of the aircraft would depend on the financial capability of the government, more so with the country undergoing rapid development.               

The ministry was also asessing other MRCA jet fighters including the Sukhoi SU-35, FA-18 Super Hornet and JAS Gripen, he added.      

- Bernama