Phar, Kim Beng and Hamzah, Luthfy (2025) Malaysia wields soft power shield amid fighter jet gaps. Malaysia wields soft power shield amid fighter jet gaps, NA (NA). pp. 1-4.
|
PDF
- Published Version
Download (1MB) | Preview |
Abstract
The article argues that Malaysia’s temporary fighter jet capability gap should not be interpreted as a sign of strategic weakness, but rather as a period in which diplomacy, defence partnerships, and soft power can compensate for limited hard-power readiness. Triggered by the crash of a Royal Malaysian Air Force F/A-18D Hornet in Kuantan, the piece highlights the vulnerabilities of Malaysia’s ageing air fleet, including operational strains on its Hornets, Su-30MKMs, and grounded MiG-29s. While some observers advocate for immediate procurement of high-end fighter aircraft such as the Rafale, the article contends that Malaysia should instead remain committed to a gradual transition centred on South Korea’s FA-50 light combat aircraft and longer-term fifth-generation capabilities. It argues that sudden procurement decisions could impose heavy financial burdens without resolving deeper structural defence challenges. The article further emphasises that Malaysia’s strategic resilience lies not only in military hardware but also in its ability to leverage ASEAN centrality, bilateral defence arrangements, and diplomatic credibility as a middle power. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia is portrayed as uniquely positioned to strengthen regional confidence-building measures while managing security uncertainties in the South China Sea and wider Indo-Pacific. The analysis maintains that defence diplomacy, interoperability exercises, and strategic partnerships with countries such as the United States, Türkiye, South Korea, and regional ASEAN members provide an important buffer during Malaysia’s military transition period. Ultimately, the article concludes that soft power, institutional trust, and calibrated diplomacy can function as a “strategic shield” that helps Malaysia preserve deterrence and regional relevance until its air force modernisation is fully realised.
| Item Type: | Article (Electronic Media) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Malaysia; Soft Power; FPDA |
| Subjects: | J Political Science > JZ International relations U Military Science > U Military Science (General) |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC) Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Political Science Office of the Rector |
| Depositing User: | Mr Muhammad Syameer Luthfy Bin Hamzah |
| Date Deposited: | 07 May 2026 16:02 |
| Last Modified: | 07 May 2026 16:02 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-05-Q3249 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128878 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |