The Royal Malaysian Air Force has drawn up a future development plan, but financial constraints have been a major setback for its full execution, says its chief Affendi Buang.

“We hope for bigger fund allocations to increase our asset development.

“For the time being we are optimising the operation of our existing assets,” he said when speaking to reporters after witnessing an air show in conjunction with the air force exhibition at Kuching Airbase today.

Affendi, however, added that the air force did not face any issue on manpower shortage as there are many people who are interested and requested to join.

He said the recruitment of members is based on the qualification and not based on the applicant’s race or origin.

On the air show, held in conjunction with the air force's 60th anniversary, he said that the response from the public was very good.

“The air show was performed here for the first time, which was not easy to be held due to the busy air traffic,” he added.

Previous air shows have been held in the Butterworth Airbase.

Over 10,000 people were present to witness the air show and the exhibition, including Deputy Defence Minister Senator Liew Chin Tong.

Various other activities were also held during the one-day exhibition, including the static exhibition of aircraft in the dispersal area.

Among others, the assets in the exhibition are Nuri and EC 725 AP helicopter, as well as A400M, C130H, CB 235, Hawk 108/208, F/A-18D and Sukhoi SU-30 MKM aircraft.

- Bernama