"Failing which, we may increase the acquistion of MRCA like the Sukhoi Su-30MKM, 18 of which have already been procured," he said.
"The first two of the 18 Su-30MKM were handed over to the RMAF last week, while the remaining 16 will be delivered by the year’s end, in time for the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition."
Azizan said the Sukhois, ordered in 2003 at a cost of RM3.42 billion, would be based with the 11th squadron in Gong Kedak, Kelantan.
"To date, four pilots, two weapons sensor specialists, four engineers and 53 technical crew have completed training for three months in Russia.
"A second batch of crew will be sent to either Russia or India soon," he said at Wisma Pertahanan in Jalan Padang Tembak, in conjunction with the RMAF’s 49th anniversary today.
The acquisition of more Sukhois or Hornets will, however, not affect the operations of the existing 18 MiG-29N fighters, he added.
"Although a decade old, the MiG-29Ns are still very useful and can serve up to 30 years with proper maintenance and refurbishment.