Malaysia has issued a warning against any possible challenge to its sovereignty after a newspaper report that new Australian warplanes will be able to launch long-range missiles at targets anywhere in Asia. Australia plans to place cruise missiles on its new Joint Strike Fighter fleet, expected to be delivered in Australia from 2012, the Australian newspaper reported on Saturday.
Malaysian Defence Minister Najib Razak said he felt Australia would respect Asian nations' sovereignty but stressed Malaysia could look after its own interests, including fighting terrorism.
"We cannot decide what they can or cannot do," Najib told state news agency Bernama on a visit to Malaysia's east coast on Saturday night. "(But) don't challenge our sovereignty." "For Malaysia, we need not interfere in the affairs of other countries because we can take care of our own interests, including fighting terrorism that may come from our own territory," he added.
The Australian said the Joint Strike Fighters had a range of 600 nautical miles, compared to 290 nautical miles for the F/A-18 Hornet fighters that Australia had previously said would be armed with the missiles.